As someone who enjoys fairytale re-imaginings, I was not disappointed by Kell Woods’ new spin on Anderson’s classic Little Mermaid. I thought the author did a good job of transporting us to the beautiful French port town of Saint Malo and turned it into the perfect setting for a fairytale mermaid to live in. Francophiles will love the way that French food and fashion was incorporated into the story. And I especially loved slowly discovering the new twists on classic elements of the little mermaid story such as the sea hag and the little mermaid experiencing severe pain when walking on land, they made for the loveliest “Aha!” moments as I read. Similar to Kell’s After the Forest, I enjoyed the ways in which she incorporated local folklore and history into the story thus making it both
more magically and at the same time more real. Finally, trying to avoid spoiling too much, I much preferred the ending of Upon a Starlit Tide to that of the classic or even the Disney version! So be prepared for a nice surprise.

If you enjoy adult fairytales or just stories of the Fae, I would recommend picking up Upon a Starlit Tide!

First and foremost, from the bottom of my heart, I’d like to thank the publishing team at TOR for reaching out to offer me an early copy of this book for review. It’s an honor and a genuine treat!!

And now:

BE STILL MY HEART!! Swoons. Giggling. Stomach-swooping-heart-melting yearning! Reading this made me feel all the things, in all the best most invested ways. I felt like a little kid reading fairytales again- I believe I said something similar when I reviewed ‘After the Forest’ and I can happily say that Kell Woods has nailed that feeling for me once again.

I absolutely ate this up, and I knew I would right from the beginning. The mashup of The Little Mermaid/Cinderella set in an utterly lush 18th Century France is just too delicious to pass on!

There’s a beautiful balance here between the attention to the real life historical setting and the feeling of magic permeating through and surviving in hidden corners of the world. The story absolutely dragged me under and swept me away. It was pulled together so well by beautiful prose and a rich atmosphere.

It’s so surprising when a story can feel familiar and comforting while still being unique. Some of the twists were what I was anticipating… some were not. It made for a wonderful ride. One I sincerely had a hard time putting down!

This will likely be one of my last books for 2024 but what a high note to end on!! I loved this, and I just know that I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next retelling from Kell Woods. Now please!!

This is a 3.5 or 3.75 read, but I just can't round it up because some of my "issues" with it.

My issues are not big ones, in fact I think this book is quite unique in the world of retellings. I just think there was a bit of meandering that could have been cut out, and I almost feel like there were TOO many fairy tales/myths used (cinderella, a little mermaid, bluebeard, selkies, etc) and focusing on one would have made this story shine instead of, at times, feeling a little like it didn't know which way it wanted to go.

But beyond that, Woods created a great world with just enough magic to tickle the senses. Luce is a wonderful character and the journey she takes is quite remarkable. I think, especially for the time in which the story takes place, her longing for something different while also understanding the order of things is a take on this type of FMC that I don't think we see often. It makes her journey of acceptance all the more poignant.

I have always love a good fairy tale retelling and this combo of little mermaid meets Cinderella ticks of all the boxes. The. Story is beautifully written and is one i will be recommending to all those that love new takes on classic fairy tales

I dived into this beautiful magical world of Kell Woods, where magic and dreams become a reality! 🥹 As a little girl I was fascinated with the little mermaid and Cinderella and this read gives you that and much more, with a twist of her own! I was able to smell the sea salt and the splash of waves while reading this tale! It was such a movie in my head! 🐚✨⚓️


This beautifully written tale takes you back to the year 1758 in Saint-Malo, where magical stones, creatures, and mermaids used to Roam. The youngest daughter of Jean-Baptiste one of the wealthiest and most respected ship owners in Saint-Malo, has a love for adventure and longing to sail her very own ship one day. Luce Sneaks out to the beach when she notices a young handsome man floating in the water. Luce rescues this stranger from drowning and her life changes from that point on. 

Rate: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Magic ✨
•Fae🧚🏼
•Mermaids🧜‍♀️
•Betral🔪
•Friends to lovers♥️
•Lovers to enemies 💔⛓️‍💥
•War🪖

Upon a Starlit Tide is a bit of The Little Mermaid meets Cinderella with a dash of fae and folklore in a historical setting.

I absolutely adored this. I loved the mix of the fantastical with real locations and history and they are blended together effortlessly to create the world of the story. St. Malo, once a stronghold for privateers surrounded by granite walls is the perfect backdrop. The author transports the reader there giving us a real feeling of time and place both grounded in reality and interwoven with the folklore of the story. And it’s not just St. Malo but the familial home, Le Bleau Sauvage, and the churning waters of the Manche.

Another thing I loved was the atmospheric quality of the writing. Whether it was a glittering ball with beautiful gowns and sea glass slippers, the treacherous waves of the Manche, or a moonlit forest with ghostly apparitions, the vibes were on point. Also the food descriptions were ridiculous. Make sure you have macarons on hand while reading this because you will be craving them.

The relationship between the sisters and the feelings of Luce, our protagonist, are complex and conflicted. I really enjoyed the moments touching on their relationship. The tide-crone and role of fae folk and their role in the world and in Luce’s life was also a really interesting aspect. For me this was a kind of perfect fairy tale-esque novel. It walks the balance of dark and fantastical and creates a world that feels real and lived in with great characters and high stakes.

If you love of fairy tales, folklore, and adventure this has it all. This would probably appeal to readers that liked Cinderella is Dead, A Sorceress Comes to Call, or Spinning Silver.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

What an incredible fairytale retelling! Kell Woods effortlessly blends pieces of The Little Mermaid and Cinderella together set in the backdrop of a beautiful French seaside town. Luce, daughter of renowned merchant Jean-Baptiste Leon, has a habit of sneaking off in breeches to go sailing with the locals. No matter what she does, she can't stand being couped up, and always seems to whisk herself away to the sea, and to her friend, Samuel, who only seems to see her as a friend despite her growing feelings for him. After rescuing a handsome man washed ashore after a storm, her live begins to change in ways that will never be undone. The familial elements here, and especially the way in which societal expectations pit women against one another, and the way the sisters act, really made this story come to live. Despite everything, this is a story about the meaning of love, in all its forms. All the interesting world-building and lore around the various fae creatures that inhabit Saint-Malo was simultaneously familiar enough for me to nod at but also re-spun in a new way that kept me engaged. I wasn't expecting to be so taken in by this book so quickly, or to be so satisfied with its ending.

A Cinderella and The Little Mermaid inspired adult fairy tale? Oh yes, please (and it’s sooo much more).

I’ll admit that the cover is what first drew my attention, but the synopsis made me immediately request an early copy, which Tor Books was kind enough to bestow.

There’s magic within these pages and I implore other readers who still (and will always) love fairy tales with strong and capable heroines to grab this one for your bookshelves and find the magic for yourself.

The power of the ocean, the power of magic, the power of love,

I absolutely loved this story ❤️and this is a book that I will get for myself and enjoy again.


“A woman knows her own truth. It’s a gift she is born with that, like so much else, is quickly stolen by the world. By priests with their talk of sin and wickedness and shame, by men who learned long ago how best to use women for their own pleasure and advantage. Instead of speaking from their hearts, their souls, women are told to heed their father, their husband, their God. Instead of choosing their own path, they are told to obey. Even so, their souls always know the truth. Always. Do not be afraid to give yours voice.”


Thank you to Tor Books and NetGalley for the DRC

I really enjoyed this. It reads like a fairytale and the author states it's a bit of a mashup between Cinderella and The Little Mermaid BUT with its own special touch and story! Lots of fun to read. Fantastic set of characters with a plot that will keep you hooked.
I loved the ending!

Thank you Netgalley for the free ARC in return for an honest review.

A cross between the little mermaid and Cinderella, tho stale takes place at Saint-Malo France in the 1700s. Luce lives with her successful and beloved seafaring father, her mom, and two sisters. Luce is down to the sea and yearns to explore. She learns how to sail from a British smuggler and his cousin and dreams of dressing as a man and becoming a sailor.

The book begins with Luce seeing an unconscious man on a shipwreck. She saves his life and becomes fascinated with him after he regains consciousness and kisses her. Her family restores him to health, and learn he is the son of another powerful, noble family. However, something caused the ship to wreck despite the magical storm stone that should have kept the ship safe.

Upon a Starlit Tide (2025) is a mesmerizing historical fantasy/dark fairy tale. In 1700s coastal France the protagonist, Luce, rescues a handsome sailor from certain death in the fickle sea. Confusingly she feels drawn to both him and to her loyal friend Samuel, an English smuggler. But matters of the heart must wait as troubles arise – the fae, and their magic, are disappearing, the English are poised to attack, old lies and deceit are surfacing, and Luce is discovering secrets hidden in the depths of the sea.

I loved the dark, adventurous undertone, the nods to the old fairy tales Cinderella and The Little Mermaid and the lush, lyrical writing of Kell Woods.

The writing in this book has a beautiful voice, with just enough description of the places to build the world around the characters. While it is set up as a fairy tale retelling, it does a good job of balancing the original tales with a new story that fully stands on it's own.

I want to give Upon a Starlit Tide all the stars for its lush, immersive world and irresistible charm! From the moment I saw the stunning cover and read that it’s a mash-up of The Little Mermaid and Cinderella, I was hooked. Fairy tale retellings are my kryptonite, and this one did not disappoint.! The story is set in 18th-century magical France, and brought beautifully to life through Kell Woods' vivid, prose!. Our FMC, Luce, is a dreamer caught between her duty as a loyal daughter in her wealthy merchant family and her yearning for the sea, despite the constant pain in her ruined feet. Her sweetness and strength shine as she navigates complex family dynamics (can we have more sweet protagonists in fiction, please??) and an impossible dream: to captain her own ship. Add in a compelling love triangle (and I say that as someone who generally doesn't like them!)—between Morgan, the shipmaster’s son she rescues, and Samuel, her smuggler friend. Woods masterfully delivers a richly satisfying ending, making this, in my opinion, a MUST-read for fans of fairy tale retellings and magical historical fiction!

4.75 stars!

*Upon a Starlit Tide* by Kell Woods is a captivating and evocative tale that blends romance with adventure. Set against a beautifully crafted, magical world, the novel follows its protagonist on a journey that explores deep emotions and enchanting landscapes. Woods' prose is lyrical, bringing to life both the vibrant settings and the complexities of its characters. The author deftly weaves themes of self-discovery, love, and the pull of the unknown, creating an immersive experience. With its richly developed world and compelling plot, *Upon a Starlit Tide* will appeal to fans of fantasy and romantic fiction alike.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

This was beautifully done, I really enjoyed the setting, he storytelling and the general idea. A great fantasy!

I requested Upon a Starlit Tide on Netgalley first because the cover absolutely drew me in, and second because it was described to me as A Little Mermaid mushed up with Cinderella. I'm a sucker for fairy tale retellings so I was absolutely drawn to this book. To my surprise (it's been a bit) Tor accepted my request, and I dove right in.

Upon a Starlit Tide is an absolute wonder. Kell Woods is a phenomenal writer -- you're dropped into 18th century magical France and every ounce of you believes it. I loved the main character, Luce. She's got quite a wonderful life, seemingly only soured by the fact that her feet are ruined. She's in pain every second that she walks around. However, she is sweet despite her pain. She cares for her sisters, her mother, and most of all, her father. Luce and her family are extremely wealthy -- her father owns a bunch of ships and is a merchant. There's some interesting family dynamics that I won't get into because I don't want to spoil anything.

Luce is torn between wanting to remain a loyal daughter, and wanting to go out and explore the world. She is in love with the sea, and wants nothing more than to be a ship's captain. Of course, this is impossible because she's a woman. She's also torn between two young men. Morgan, the rich shipmaster's son whom she rescues from the ocean, or Samuel, a master smuggler who's been her friend for years. Yeah, there's a love triangle. Ish. You'll prefer one man over the other very quickly, or at least I did.

When I got to the end of Upon A Starlit Tide, I was terrified that it was going to end on a sad, but happyish note. HOWEVER, there was an epilogue and I can confirm that there is a true happy ending. So don't worry about that too much -- enjoy the journey for what it is. I absolutely recommend Upon A Starlit Tide to anyone who loves fairy tale retellings, mermaids, or historical fiction! Four and a half stars.

For lovers of the fairytale world, you will love this imaginative combination of the tales of two classic French fairytales, The Little Mermaid and Cinderella. I previously shared an inside look at Kell Wood's last foray into the fairytale genre in last year's After the Forest. The author's latest novel does not disappoint. It gracefully weaves the tale of Lucinde, the youngest daughter of one of the wealthiest shipowners in the port of Saint-Malo. As Lucinde digs into her past, she makes discoveries along the way, including one that she never could have imagined in her wildest dreams.

Without giving too much away for curious readers, this was wonderful blend of new characters and plot ideas with a health nod to the stories roots. I found the characters dynamic and enjoyed following their stories and arcs. The plot was well-paced and kept me interested until the end. For anyone who enjoys, fantasy, fairy tales, and retellings; this book is for you.

This is a co-mingling of tales: the big ones as well as those pulled from French and Celtic folklore. There is the rich man with three daughters, and one is extra special; there is the smuggler who hides a heart of gold along with his silks and brandies; there is a handsome sailor saved from a shipwreck. Woven in and among these stories are the lutins, the seafolk, the vengeful drowned, all gathered in one place around a natural source that also imbues protection: storm stone.

I appreciate the way Kell Woods was able to manage all of these elements into what fellow reviewer Brend called "an Eras Tour mashup". Woods focuses on themes and story, then pulls in the element of whichever folktale matches the pattern, and does it well.

Thank you to Tor and NetGalley for access to the ARC. I am not compensated for my review.

Thanks to NetGalley & Tor Publishing Group for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, what a fun book! I was engrossed from beginning to end. This book is less about an overarching plot and more about the protagonist discovering who and what she really is. And it's a hell of a journey.

Luce is a compelling protagonist, not wholly perfect but just a naive, sheltered young girl. It's great to see her grow and evolve throughout the story and I felt bad for her and the horrible hand she was dealt. This does combine several fairytales, most notably Cinderella and Little Mermaid, but there are more and I won't say what they are since it's a spoiler. Woods did a great job creating a very imaginative combination of stories and creating her own out of it.

I'd rate this higher but sometime about it felt like...more of a meandering story? If that makes sense. I feel like the world-building could have been expanded on, but I understood why it wasn't because this was more about Luce (protagonist) than whatever drama was going on in the rest of the world. We were stuck with her perspective, essentially. It's still a great book though.