I really enjoyed this book!! The characters are so well developed, I felt like I was right there in the story. I thought the beginning could have had some more character development. I felt like the transition to the ship and what it was supposed to mean was a little quick, but that's just personal preference. Can’t wait to see what all the author writes !!!

Rating: ⭐⭐✨ (2.5/5 stars)

I was immediately drawn to Voice of the Ocean because of its promise of a fresh and unique re-telling. The premise sounded enchanting—blending classic fairy tale elements with a new voice and perspective. However, despite my initial excitement, I, unfortunately, struggled to connect with this story.

The worldbuilding had potential, and I appreciated the effort put into reimagining familiar themes. However, I found the pacing uneven, making it difficult to stay engaged. The characters, while interesting in concept, felt underdeveloped, and I had a hard time emotionally investing in their journey. I kept hoping for a deeper connection to the protagonist and their motivations, but something was missing for me.

The writing itself was fine, but it didn’t quite capture the magic I was expecting from a retelling of this nature. Some moments felt rushed, while others dragged

Voice of the Ocean by Kelsey Impicciche
Rating: 3 stars
**DNF this at 35%

voice of the ocean is essentially a little mermaid retelling with some unique twists that vary it from the original disney film. If you enjoy sirens and treasure hunting this will be right up your alley!

this follows our mfc celeste as she navigates her curiosity with the human world and is tasked with killing a prince from the human kingdom. she becomes a human herself to aid in her mission but does not plan for the attraction/feelings that start to develop for the human prince raiden.

the reason i chose to DNF this book was only because i found it hard for me to really get into the story. even though there are so many unique things about this book, i had a hard time separating it from the original little mermaid story due to all the similarities. i found the book to be pretty predictable in the first third and i was struggling to stay invested in the story. i also felt like the book was for someone younger than me (i am almost 33).

i think that the writing in excellent and kelsey has a great storytelling ability. i think that they elements she added really made this story her own. i would definitely still recommend for anyone who is interested in YA fantasy to give this a try! we do not see enough stories about sirens!

thank you to netgalley and kelsey impicciche for the opportunity read this arc for my honest review!

Voice of the Ocean is a Little Mermaid retelling with a pirate twist, and it absolutely delivers. In this story, Celeste, our little mermaid, unknowingly joins a pirate crew after being tasked with killing Prince Raiden Sharp. To prove to her people that she belongs—despite being considered too human—she must complete this mission. But as she spends time with the pirates, her journey takes unexpected turns, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew.

This is Kelsey Impicciche’s debut novel, but you would never guess that from reading it. Her writing is phenomenal, drawing you in from the very first pages. The story is compelling, and once you start, it’s hard to put it down because you just need to know what happens next. The beginning of the book is a bit slow, but as you delve deeper, you encounter more action, and the pacing picks up significantly. Celeste’s adventure with the pirate crew is full of action, surprises, and great character interactions that make you feel like you’re right there with them.

As a huge fan of Little Mermaid retellings, I thought this one was pretty awesome. The pirate twist was fun, but what really stood out to me was Celeste’s growth throughout the story. When I think back to the original movie (which is usually the version people reference), there wasn’t much of a lesson—everyone just got their happy ending. But in Voice of the Ocean, Celeste learns and changes along the way, making her a much more compelling main character. Watching her journey unfold was so satisfying.

Overall, Voice of the Ocean is an exciting and fresh take on a beloved story. The shocking ending will leave you asking for a second book. If you love mermaids, pirates, and strong character development, this book is definitely worth reading!

⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3/5

“The human prince and the siren princess. Their war was as old as time and written in the stars above them.”

The Voice of the Ocean follows Celeste, a siren princess, as she seeks to redeem herself from exile. Unfortunately, that means eliminating the human prince she saved - the cause of her exile - Raiden Sharp.

The Voice of the Ocean is a combined retelling of The Little Mermaid and Pirates of the Caribbean. Influence from The Little Mermaid was obvious - a siren princess, forbidden curiosity about humans, a sea witch, gaining legs, a dashing human prince. However, Kelsey Impicciche put a twist on aspects of this story that made it her own.

I thought the story was well-paced for the most part and that the plot line was interesting. There’s an obvious chemistry between Celeste and Raiden throughout the entirety of the book, although it remains PG. I enjoyed the side characters and the way Celeste’s relationships with them unfolded. Even without talking, Celeste was able to create meaningful relationships. Celeste’s empathy for humans despite belonging to a less than empathetic species was one of my favorite aspects of this story. It’s viewed by the sirens as a weakness and as something to exploit by the humans, but it’s ultimately the source of Celeste’s power. As an emotional girlie, this message was meaningful and empowering!

While I enjoyed the story overall, I would have liked more detail about the history that drives the plot line. As the book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, I expect a second book will dive into this a little more. This was a good debut novel and I look forward to reading more about Celeste and Raiden.

If you like sirens, pirates, treasure hunts, and star-crossed lovers - this book is for you!

(Thank you Net Galley, Blackstone, & Kelsey Impicciche for this opportunity!)

Celeste saves Raiden, Admiral (cutie golden retriever), and Bastian from drowning. As a result, her fellow siren marks her as a traitor. Not even being a princess could save her from banishment, so her mother, the Queen, struck a deal. Kill the prince of the human realm.


So far, it started off slow, but once Raiden and Celeste meet, it gets interesting. Raiden is gathering a crew for a treasure hunt and Celeste is mistaken as a Wayfinder. She decides not to speak to conceal her identity.

It’s a little mermaid retelling, and chapter 1 seems interesting. Not to mention the cover is gorgeous. More thoughts to follow.

Kelsey Impicciche has been one of my favorite content creators for a few years now and when she announced that she releasing a book, I was so excited. This was such an amazing Little Mermaid retelling. Kelsey Impicciche did an amazing job creating the characters. I resonated a lot with the main character, Celeste. celeste can be seen as way too emotional and se feels as though she doesn't really fit in anywhere. I can relate to her so much. This was such a beautiful book and Kelsey did an amazing job portraying her characters and setting the scene. It felt as though I was I was actually in the book, living through the eyes of Celeste.

3 Stars – A Fun, Lighthearted Siren Tale with Classic Tropes

Voice of the Ocean is an enjoyable YA fantasy that delivers everything you’d expect from a siren-meets-human romance. Celeste, a rebellious siren princess eager to carve her own path, crosses paths with the daring Prince Raiden, and their connection sets off a whirlwind of forbidden magic, ancient secrets, and high-seas adventure.

The world-building is intriguing, with an emphasis on siren mythology and magic, though at times, it felt like it could have been expanded upon. Celeste’s struggle to control her Song added an interesting layer to her character, and her dynamic with Raiden had its sweet moments, though their romance leaned a bit into insta-love territory.

While it doesn’t break new ground in the fantasy-romance genre, Voice of the Ocean is a fun, easy read with classic mermaid lore and a determined heroine at its core. Perfect for fans of To Kill a Kingdom and The Little Mermaid retellings!

I wasn’t fond of the pacing of this book. The first third dragged, then it seemed to rush through significant scenes (for me, it was this book's equivalent of Ariel meeting the sea witch, and I also felt a bit unclear on what their deal was), then the climax of the book felt like it was squeezed into a handful of chapters.

5⭐️

**Thank you Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC**

Voice of the Ocean is a Little Mermaid retelling about Celeste, a young siren. She longs to be part of an elite fighting team, The Chorus, but finds trouble when she defends a ship of humans. She must go on a mission to redeem herself and kill the captain of the ship, Raiden Sharp. What she doesn’t know, is she may have more in common with the humans than she thought.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I’ve been a long time fan of Kelsey and was ecstatic to be able to be given the opportunity to read this story early. It’s a beautiful retelling that is not merely a copy paste. She has created a vivid and beautiful world with complex characters. You can see the basic similarities of things such as the evil sea witch, but there is so much that is new and interesting! And buckle up for the last few chapters because there are more twists and turns than you can imagine. I cannot wait for the second book!

When I heard pirates of the Caribbean x the little mermaid I was so excited! I enjoyed this read (even if I was let down to find it was only the first in a series!!) but I thought Celeste was a great narrator. The pacing felt a bit rushed at the end of the book but overall I enjoyed reading.

Thank you Net Galley, Kelsey Impicciche and Blackstone Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Voice of the Ocean was everything I thought it would be!

If you are a fan of:

• Siren and human
• relatable MC’s
• Slow burn
• Found family
• betrayal
• Pirates
• Touch her and you’re die
• Twist after twist

Then this is for you!

I love the FMC (Celeste). She was extremely relatable in the way that her inner voice relays the things that she has heard her whole life. The way that she not only has to deal with external factors of the book's plot but the internal battle with her own self worth was very inspiring! I loved seeing her find her strength in this book and am looking forward to where her journey takes her in the next one!

Raiden the (MMC). Is a very flawed character with a lot of layers that haven't even begun to unfold. I have loved the pieces we have already seen and the growth to his character as well!

The side characters are all likeable and fun! They create an easy bond with one another that helps but MCs with the internal struggles they are facing. I loved seeing how fiercely protective they are of one another!

Admiral by far was a happy point in the book! Who does love a happy dog that brings people together!

"To the girls who are told they cry too much, and to my dear friend who helped teach me it's okay."

I knew from the dedication this was going to appeal to me. Voice of the Ocean is a YA Little Mermaid retelling with sirens and pirates, gripping adventure and found family, love and betrayal. This book has my heart. Big emotions are so hard sometimes and this book captured that perfectly. The writing is very immersive, and made this a captivating, entertaining read. The relationships the author cultivated were so genuine and well-established, from the romantic relationship between FMC And MMC to the friendships Celeste develops aboard the ship. So many things happened very quickly in the last ~50 pages and it left me wishing it wasn't quite so rushed. The ending may also be my villain origin story because the betrayal broke me. Thank you Netgalley for the e-ARC!

"He may be human and she a siren, but they both just wanted to belong. She understood how it felt to not fit into the role you were given."

Celeste is a siren princess who's fascinated with the mortal world. She saved the pirate king's son, Raiden, and now on the mission to k!ll him.

Where do I start? I love Kelsey and been following her career ever since her Buzzfeed days and now, she's an author and I am so proud of her. When she announced she's writing a book, I was so excited and followed her journey. Now, her debut novel is gonna be published soon and I am so happy to received an ARC from NetGalley!

One, I always love some fairytale retelling, and this book centered around The Little Mermaid. We follow Celeste the siren princess and her life navigating all these emotions, thoughts and feelings. Her kingdom was fascinating to see, it's like Barbie in a Mermaid Tale.

We also saw her juggling her moral compass and torn between doing her duty, and doing what she thought was right. It read like a fantasy but with a lot fiction and emotional depth, which I love to see.

"And when his mouth met hers , she felt the stars fall from her skies."

Two, slow burnnnn. When I say slow, I meant really slooowwww which I also love as a slow burn girlie. We saw Raiden in Celeste's eyes which I was hesitant at first because maybe we gonna see him in a rose-colored glasses but that was not the case. We saw both of them in layers, in different scenarios and and how they both have roles set upon them but at the same time, they still wanted to do what's right. Their relationship dynamic was endearing to see, considering they both know of each other.

"There was nothing more painful than to hear the things you hated most about yourself used as a weapon by someone you love."

Three, the found family. I always love the setting of being in a pirate ship, but the side characters was also an added bonus to the story. Celeste worked in a male-dominated field and there's only one woman with her, and I love their friendship, the banter and how protective they are of each other.

Overall, it took me a few hours to read this because there's a bit of world-building and some filler scenes but I don't really mind because I enjoyed the journey, the world, the characters and the plots.

Give me book 2 now, please!

The feelings this book made me feel 🥹 Packed with action from start to finish, this young adult fantasy is best described as a little mermaid meets the pirates of the Caribbean spinoff 🌊

Celeste is a siren princess training to be Chorus member who are an army like group that fights humans using their voice to keep their underwater kingdom safe. That is until she goes against everything she knows to save a human prince and his adorable pup 👑 Faced with the challenge of doing what is right compared to what she has been told her entire life leaves her confused beyond belief. Plus the angst and banter between Celeste and the prince was pure perfection! 🧜‍♀️🏴‍☠️

“It wasn’t until I saw you dancing on your ship that I even dreamed of anything more than what I knew”

I have been a Kelsey Dangerous follower for years. From watching her make her sims an author in the game to becoming an author in real life, your community could not be more proud! This book was incredible and I seriously cannot wait for the next one!

This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Voice of the Ocean will be published April 22nd.

this was everything i loved about The Little Mermaid but with an added sense of adventure.

Celeste is a siren who’s tasked with killing the human prince. things go a little sideways and now she finds herself aboard his ship as they go on a wild goose chase for lost treasure. you can expect lots of pirate antics, some siren magic, and a slow-burn romance :)

i don’t know if anyone will get this, but the mmc reminds me of Captain Hook from Once Upon a Time 🤭 that’s literally what i was picturing the whole time. Raiden has that cocky pirate attitude but he has a soft for our girl Celestte. full on ‘touch her and die’ vibes and im here for it. and i found their banter to be endlessly entertaining.

overall, really fun and i would recommend! i’ll definitely be reading the next book.

thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC!

This was a fun read! The story was very interesting and the story was very well written and the world building was great!

Overly descriptive in some areas and lacking description in others. Love the premise. Like little mermaid but for adults. Low levels of spice but the idea is still there. Not my favorite read and could’ve been a great series of the writing can find a little more balance

3.5 stars

First, thank you so much to NetGalley and Kelsey for trusting me with an eARC!

I've been following Kelsey ever since she was with Buzzfeed so I was so excited for the opportunity to read her debut novel.

There were a lot of things I liked about the book. I love the concept, world building and the characters so far. However, the pacing was all over the place. At points it was way too descriptive and wordy that I skimmed portions throughout the book that didn't seem necessary. It took me a while to get into the book because there was too much unnecessary information and then at 60% everything was happening all at once. It also came out of left field the reason for the name of the book too at the last 10% of the book.

I did enjoy this debut novel and plan on picking up the sequel.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and will be reading the next one. I enjoyed the mythology and the side characters immensely. My biggest problem with this book was the pacing. The first half of the book was a bit slow, and I struggled to understand where the book was going. Once we figured out what the adventure was, it was better, but I feel that the overall pacing could have been better without sacrificing her relationships with the others.