A jealous sister, a stolen sea maid, a magical ball. This historical romantasy gave Cinderella and The Little Mermaid vibes all the way through. I loved the combination.

Lucinde, the daughter of a wealthy ship owner, is at the shore one stormy morning where she finds and rescues Morgan, the son of a powerful ship owner. His crew were not as fortunate. Morgan's mother invites Lucinde and her family to a ball she is hosting, as a thank you for allowing her son to recover in their home. The town they live in has always been protected by the fae and their magic, but the fae are leaving.

Upon A Starlit Tide audiobook was enthralling. Esther Wane was the perfect choice for the narrator.

I was invested right from the beginning when Lucinde rescued Morgan. There is something about Morgan that draws Lucinde in. Her best friend, Samuel, is a storm diver. Their friendship is hidden from her family, as they would frown upon it. As Lucinde and Samuel collect the remains of Morgan's ship, Lucinde tells Samuel about Morgan. Samuel instantly dislikes Morgan. It was hard to tell whether it was jealousy—that Morgan caught his attention and would be a good fit for her in her parents' eyes over a lowly smuggler like Samuel—or if it was something darker he sensed. Although, Lucinde feels guilty, she still attends the ball she was invited to, but not without some troubles. It is obvious someone doesn't want her to attend.

The way that Lucinde seemed to befriend the remaining fae, even the ones that were feared was interesting to me. I was waiting for the catch on what she may have owe for what the fae gave her in order for her to attend the ball.

Their was one unexpected scene on Lucinde's ship that turned gruesome.

cinderella • fae • fairytale • historical fantasy • mermaid • retelling • romantasy • the little mermaid

Just beautiful. A touch of the little mermaid (darkness and all), a touch of Cinderella (masquerade ball with a touch of magic to get here there), and a healthy dose of feminine rage. I’ll take every single part of this story! Didn’t want to put it down. Loved it!

Thank you to #macaudio2025 and @netgalley for a copy of this audiobook for my review.

I really loved the cross between the Little Mermaid and a French Cinderella story. I loved Luce’s character development and her relationship with Samuel. I was in tears because of Bones, and truly loved the way this book kept me throughly entranced. I wish there was more to Luce’s story at the end, but overall it was a fantastic audible. I also loved the British accent of the narrator.

I loved this. I’m so glad I listed to this book instead of read it. The narrator added to the story and I would have absolutely butchered some of the names of places and people. This was magical, dark, romantic and just beautiful. I loved the characters, and the story. It was a love letter to fairy tales but became its own unique fairy tale all at the same time.

Absolutely my favorite ARC read of the year. I was gripped from the very beginning, and could not put it down until the magical epilogue. I loved the unique magical realism setting-18th century famous French port city, with mythical sea and other folklore creatures roaming at will. The characters were complex and dynamic, and there was never an uninteresting moment. My only complaint was that at times in the middle the pacing felt slightly muddled but it was still absolutely worth it. While I received this as an ARC audiobook via NetGalley (Esther Wane does a WONDERFUL narration), I will probably purchase the physical copy because frankly I enjoyed it so much and the actual copy of the book is stunning!

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for providing a copy for review. All opinions are my own.

4 out of 5 stars

Thank you to #macaudio2025 and @netgalley for a copy of this audiobook for my review.

I enjoyed this one! It took a little while to get into but then after about 30% in it got very intriguing. I thought the Little Mermaid/Cinderella retelling was so fascinating. The way she wove the two stories together to make one large story was so inventive. Also, I really loved Samuel and Luce. The narrator did a good job, although sometimes I thought some characters were older than they probably were based on the voice they were given.

Keep in mind that if you are sensitive to gore like myself some of the parts will be difficult for you, it was for me but I was able to make it through. I would read books by this author in the future.

Upon a Starlit Tide is an historical novel set during the Seven Years War that tells the story of Lucinde Leon. The story itself is a creative retelling/mash-up of The Little Mermaid and Cinderella, but don't let retelling of old stories fatigue stop you from passing this one over. The author takes great care to develop complex characters that don't neatly fit into "cruel stepsisters" or "evil stepmother" stereotypes. Additionally, the narrator for the audiobook, Esther Wane, does a fantastic job of bringing the story and its characters to life. If you have the chance to listen to it, take it.

This story is a unique retelling of The Little Mermaid and Cinderella, with a hint of fae magic. As much as I loved the originals, I think and an adult, I appreciated this one much more. It was more complex and realistic in many ways. The relationships in particular felt more realistic - sibling bonds and jealousy as well as male love interests. The story line was so seamless, it almost felt like this has always been the fairytale out in the world.

You will love it if you enjoy:
Fairytale retelling
Love triangles
Medium paced books
Seaside adventures

Audiobook:
I tend to listen at 1.5, in case that impacts my opinion.
This was a single narrator with a lovely British accent. Overall, it was easy to distinguish characters, though I would have preferred a slightly different voice for the MMC. That being said, I think it fit his character’s background well - it just wasn’t as swoon worthy. My only other comment would be that when the FMC gets emotional, the voice gets a little too much warble for me. It was something that didn’t impact my enjoyment of the story too much, though.

I thought the pace was overall good and thought she did the story justice.

All in all, a good book to read, especially if you love the elements above.

I enjoyed Kell Woods’ debut novel After the Forest immensely. Woods’ ability to describe lush beauty in the worlds she creates is unmatched. I do consider it to be more of an adult novel (despite having a young adult female main character and being marketed as young adult) because the themes are mature and there are some open door bedroom scenes.

Upon a Starlit Tide hit the same notes for me - dark themes (disability cruelness, abuse, colonialism, violence, torture) and too much open door spice for this to be a young adult novel. And while I could simply consider this adult as I did with After the Forest…I just couldn’t get past the pacing lags in Upon a Starlit Tide. I also probably overlooked the use of swear words in After the Forest that just felt so jarring in Upon a Starlit Tide.

{more details here: https://www.wilsonhillworks.com/reviews/uponastarlittide}

If you’re interested in a Little Mermaid and Cinderella mash up set in a vibrantly described fantasy world of true historical relevance, and you are looking for a bit of heat between two characters, then definitely give this a go.

This is probably 3.5 stars for my but I've rounded down to three here.

Thank you to Kell Woods, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the Advanced ALC.

This was such a fantastic read! The synopsis sounded really intriguing, and once I started reading, I couldn't stop, I was interested in these characters, and I had to know what was going to happen next! Watching as Luce works to get what she wants, while political tensions are rising, I loved it!

The fact that it's a mix of The Little Mermaid, as well as CInderella, was such an interesting mix in the story, and I really enjoyed seeing it all play out, and whether it was going to lean into the Disney side of the tales, or the Brothers Grimm.

Luce isn't mistreated, per se, but she is her adoptive father's favourite, at the expense of his daughters by blood. Which isn't the best parenting decision a person can do. But when she rescues Morgan, it results in a series of events, that I had to keep reading to see how things would unfold! And boy, were there some reveals, and some pretty epic twists!

Once answers started coming in, about the fae and what had been done, yeah, I wanted to know what was going to happen because of that. So I found the end really satisfying, thought that bit with her love, that hurt, but that epilogue healed that hurt!

Loved reading this book and I would love to read more by Kell Woods!

ALC Review: Upon a Starlit Tide by Kell Woods
Pub Date: February 18th
Narrator: Esther Wane

Thank you to @macmillanaudio for the ALC. All thoughts are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily #macaudio2025

Upon a Starlit Tide is a historical fantasy inspired by Cinderella and The Little Mermaid. This is going to be an all vibes no thoughts kind of review honestly. But I did really like the vibes! I liked the French setting and history regarding the conflicts between them and the English as well as the fantasy world building. There were parts of the plot that surprised me towards the end and there were parts that were a bit predictable.

The book was just a bit too long for me and some of the fairy tale elements somewhat heavy handed. This book isn't YA but feels like it is for a lot of the book.

I enjoyed the narration by Esther Wane who I don't believe I've listened to before. Her voices for characters felt distinct but not overdone.

6/5 stars no notes-an enchantingly perfect book i will be yapping about to anyone willing to listen. I recommend going into this blind-it combines elements of Cinderella and the little mermaid, but trust that this story is entirely its own. Lucinde is a captivating heroine-her journey felt so well earned and there were so many twists i didn’t see coming. Just a masterfully written historical fantasy!!

I really wanted to love this book. The world-building is absolutely stunning, with rich detail and an immersive setting that pulled me in right away. But unfortunately, the main character and the romance fell completely flat, which made it hard to stay invested.

The protagonist had no real personality, and her choices felt more like plot devices than natural reactions. There were so many missed opportunities — great ideas that never fully developed because the story was stuck following a character who didn’t feel real. The romance, which should have been a strong emotional thread, lacked chemistry and depth.

It’s frustrating because there was so much potential here. If the character work had been as strong as the world-building, this could have been an incredible read. Instead, it just felt hollow. In short: Beautiful setting, disappointing execution.

Upon a Starlit Tide had me a choke hold the whole 10+ hours of this audio production by MacMillan Audio.

I absolutely loved this Cinderella and Little Mermaid retelling mashup set in the 18th century of France. The story follows Luc, who is an adopted daughter of a very wealthy merchant family dealing with a special magical rock which is a primary building material for the cove. This story includes faerie folktales and merfolk in a very fresh and delightful way. I really enjoyed the sister dynamics- how fickle and caring they were at times. It was refreshing to not see the "evil sisters" trope but rather a really flexible and deep level of complexity admidst jelousy, etc.. I really enjoyed the historical aspects of this story, from the war between England and France and also especially the GOWN details for all the sisters. Please give me fan art asap artists! I need to see THE dress (if you know, you know).

I felt like the villain was so good too!

I adored many of the side characters and really enjoyed the twists (even if somewhat predictable). I definitely need to read more of Kell Woods!

This was a very delightful fun read- with a dash of sizzle, daring, and danger.

Content: Some detailed kissing, semi-open door, and some swear words from some savory smugglers

Upon a Starlit Tide is a beautifully crafted fairy tale of a book, a perfect merging of The Little Mermaid and Cinderella, yet so much more. It immerses you in 1758 France, off the coast of Bretagne (Brittany) - where noblemen and sea pirates plunder the sea.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys alternate histories that are filled with magic, mermaids, princesses, sisters, and Cinderella stories. This was definitely a five star for me! Esther Wane's narration was fabulous and really drew me into the story.

Upon a Starlit Tide is a not quite straightforward fairy tale retelling but clearly draws from Cinderella, Little Mermaid and other stories mixed in a historical 1758 Brittany during ongoing war with England. Woods does a good job of weaving together new and familiar elements in a manner that gives glimpses as to where the story is going at times while telling a story that is its own. Esther Wane’s narration is well paired with the historical fiction setting and cast of characters for the novel as well as the more fantastical and action elements of the story as they arise. This is a novel that will shorely appeal to anyone that enjoys fairytale retellings or this era of historical fiction; but will likely find fans beyond those groups

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing an audio review copy of Upon a Starlit Tide. Full review is available in episode #297 of Narrated podcast: https://narratedpodcast.com/episodes/297

Author Kell Woods melds two fairy tales, "Cinderella" and "The Little Mermaid", together into a captivating story about a young woman who discovers who she is amidst an impending invasion.

Set in 1758 on Saint-Malo in Brittany, we meet Lucinde Leon, the youngest daughter of a wealthy merchant and shipowner. Luce longs for the sea and feels that the ocean is calling constantly to her. Luce has secretly befriended a British smuggler, Samuel, so she can learn to sail, and get out on the water whenever possible.

Luce was found years earlier by her adopted father, alone after her parents died of illness. Feeling pity for the baby, he brought her home and raised her as one of his own, frequently displaying a favouritism for her because of her interest in ships, and his work. Her stepmother Gratienne, from a noble family, has educated the girls to become good wives. Luce's two older sisters Charlotte and Veronique are eager to secure wealthy and influential husbands in Brittany Society, but instead of just making them evil stepsisters to Luce, Woods creates a more nuanced and complicated relationship amongst the three stepsisters: though jealous of their father's favouritism, they also realize that Luce has no interest in the balls and the wealth, and do support her occasional interest in attending balls and wearing pretty things, and Luce genuinely loves and cares for them all.

Kell Woods also weaves a variety of tales and superstitions about the fae into the daily life on Saint-Malo, which is later revealed to have had a population of fae on this island in the English Channel, or La Manche, as the French called it.

The story kicks off when Luce rescues a handsome young man from a shipwrecked ship. She later learns that Morgan is from an extremely wealthy family based in Brittany. Morgan is fascinated with her, while Samuel feels only disgust for a man who likely lied about his failed leadership of the downed vessel, and because Samuel does not trust any wealthy person.

When a chance for a ball comes up, and Luce is unable to attend despite her interest, she receives help from a fae, and gets a chance to dance, something she normally cannot do because of her deformed feet.

Luce proves to be an interesting protagonist; she's interested in travdlling around the world aboard a ship so she can explore, and has a nice streak of independence in her. Also, though she is not interested in the typical things the coddled young gentlewomen of the time were, she's still supportive of her sisters' and their aims and desires. Even her mother Gratienne, though frustrated by Luce's lack of conventional interests, does not forbid her visiting the shipyards with her father.

Luce begins her trek to real independence once she meets an old woman/otherworldly being, who helps her get to a ball, where she gets a chance to dance, something she normally cannot do because of her deformed feet.

When Luce is shocked by a new ability, she and Samuel travel in secret to speak to a witch in England, who lays some more shocking information on her. They also discover the English will be arriving in Saint-Malo soon, and the two must figure out what they can do to protect those they care for on Saint-Malo.

I loved how integral the folklore was to this story's action, as well as how interesting the supernatural beings in the story were.

There was a dreaded love triangle, but Kell Woods did not waste a lot of time with Luce waffling between her two love interests. Woods quickly has Luce realize that there's really no competition once she understands whom she really cares for. The romance is lovely, with mutual respect always at the heart of Luce and her love interest's interactions.

The family dynamics are in many ways the highlight of the story. The family bonds are strong with the Leons, and Luce's bonds with her sisters only grow stronger, something I particularly liked about this book.

And there's politics, with the English intent on invading, along with family revelations, disappointments, and love, and complicated characters doing things for complicated reasons. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

I listened to this, and voice actor Esther Wane does an admirable job bringing Luce and everyone surrounding her to life. Luce's love for adventure and growing confidence in her feelings and abilities shine through in Wane's narration.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Macmillan Audio for this ARC in exchange for my review.

I really enjoyed this story. I loved how she weaved in and remade classic fairy tales. Original, creative, and fully-realized. Recommended.

Gorgeous setting and magic system, and I absolutely adored the characters! The romance was fire too — what a beautiful story. 5 stars. I like that this was inspired by famous fairytales, it shows, and it was done SO well!!

Upon a Starlit Tide—what a title, right? It’s got that dreamy, fairytale feel, and the story definitely leans into that. There’s magic, there’s sisterhood, there’s a little rebellion, and, of course, the ocean. And let me tell you, the writing? It’s gorgeous. The kind that makes you stop and reread a sentence just because it sounds that good.

But here’s the thing—I wanted to love this book, I really did. And while I liked parts of it, I never fully clicked in. The stakes just weren’t quite high enough to really pull me under. Luce is supposed to be struggling, but her life, even with its hardships, is pretty cushy. She’s got freedom, she’s got wealth, and while there are obstacles, they don’t seem to hold her back for long. I wanted to feel her struggle more, to really believe she was caught between worlds, but too often, things worked out just a little too easily. And when big emotional moments hit, they didn’t always land with the impact I was hoping for.

The characters, too, felt just a bit too safe. Even when bad things happened, there was always a quick fix, always a way out. And while that’s not necessarily a bad thing—hey, we all love a happy ending—it meant that the tension, the real weight of the story, didn’t always hit as hard as it could have.

That said, there’s so much to love here. The world is fresh, the twists on classic fairytales are fun, and the writing? Seriously, it’s stunning. I’d absolutely pick up another book by this author, no hesitation. While this one didn’t fully pull me in, I know plenty of readers will fall head over heels for it. If you love mermaids, fairytales, and beautifully written prose, this one’s worth a read.