It's been a long time since I so thoroughly enjoyed a fantasy novel. Although this is third in the series, it was the first one I read. I didn't feel lost; at times characters appeared who were described as if they'd been in previous books. Good mystery, good merging of the two tales (and tails 😉). I enjoyed the magic and the characters and I plan to go back and reread the first two!

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

I read the previous book in this series and it wasn't my favorite fairy tale retelling (and I've read a LOT) so this one was a very nice surprise! The stories being blended here are Rapunzel and the Little Mermaid (with some surprise Jack and the Beanstalk thrown in at the end) and I think the stories meshed together suprisingly well. It was, I think, a wise move to have both of the stories intertwine pretty early on so both sets of kids were hanging out together for a core group of 4 rather than two seperate groups. There are a good handful of references to the Disney versions of the stories (for instance, the sea witch in this story is called Devine and there is a mention of "unfortunate souls") which depending on the reader might be cute or annoying (or, might go over their heads entirely). There's a standard but well done message about not hating the "other" (merpeople and humans have longstanding beef with each other in this world) and how evil people stoke fear and hatred to manipulate people and gain power. The third person present tense style was a little jarring to me at first but it grew on me. All in all, I would say that, if you like the writing style and fairy tale retellings, this one is a solid recommend.

I read this with my seven-year-old daughter and somewhere in the process became 'the best mom ever'. I am always looking for chapter books to read with my book-loving daughter and this one was a great match. So many children's chapter books are just fluff and are not fun for me to read. Rapunzel and the Sea Witch was exactly the kind of book I am looking for - entertaining with literary merit. It almost felt like literary fantasy lite for young readers. The voice of the writing is really impressive. We listened to the audiobooks of the first two books in the series and I could hear that narrator's voice in my head reading this book which made me think the voice style of the writing must be very strong and continuous through books.

A Seven Year-Old's Review:
I asked my daughter for her review and she said she loved the characters and how it's like the fairytales. I asked her what she would change and she said when one character is unconscious she would change it to that they're sleeping instead, so that tells me that the book may appeal even more to a slightly older audience, but we still found it great at seven years old. There are a few short kisses between the characters which also makes it seem like the ideal audience is a bit older. I was able to skip over that for my own preference but I wouldn't keep the book from my daughter just for that.

Fairytale Callbacks
There were a lot of fun easter eggs to the fairytales and the Disney movies. That made it all the more fun to read. Disney lovers especially should dive right in. I think this book would also be entertaining to read even as an adult on their own.

Series vs. Standalone
My daughter was already a fan of this series when we started this book and although it's #3 in the series, it could be read as a standalone. The first book in the series is just barely still my daughter's favorite. I do really love this series for my daughter. It is so fun and literary.

Rating: 4/5 from me 5/5 from my daughter, it will be read again...and again...and again
Spice: There are a couple of quick kisses
Recommend: Yes! A fun read-aloud for us, but my daughter could also read it on her own.

I received this book as an ARC on NetGalley from Random House Children's Publishing and I'm thrilled that I did. I am solidly in 'best mom ever' territory thanks to finding this fun book to read.

I liked this a little but, I am not too sure I like Rapunzel enough to be in the like of mixing her with the dealings of the Little Mermaid. I did however like the easiness to read this and how quickly everything flowed together. I just did not like some parts but, still managed to get through. This however was my first book that I did read, so if I read the others and came back to this one in the future. I may have a different outcome.

Rapunzel and the Sea Witch is a charming fantasy adventure perfect for young readers, especially girls who are ready to dive into chapter books. The story feels like a magical blend of The Little Mermaid and Rapunzel, bringing together two classic fairy tale worlds in a fresh and creative way.

The main characters are brave and curious, facing challenges and magical twists that keep the story moving quickly. The writing is simple and easy to follow, making it a great fit for children who are beginning to read longer stories on their own. The themes of friendship, courage, and believing in yourself shine through, offering both fun and meaningful lessons.

Overall, Rapunzel and the Sea Witch is an imaginative retelling that combines familiar fairy tale magic with new adventures. It’s a delightful pick for young readers who love princesses, mermaids, and happily-ever-afters.

Rapunzel and the Sea Witch (or, The Little Mermaid and the Tower) is another mixed up tale from Kim Bussing. This is #3 in the Princess Swap series. You'll want to read them all. No need to read in order. You can start anywhere.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced digital review copy.

After seeing my daughter fly through the first two Princess Swap books, I couldn't wait to dive into the third installment, especially since it features my favorite Disney princess Rapunzel! The author did not disappoint with the twist on the familiar stories I grew up on watching and reading.

"Rapunzel and the Sea Witch" (or "The Little Mermaid and the Tower") is a fun read for any age reader. The author took the classic Disney stories and expanded upon them to twists that I did not see coming. I adored both main characters equally, and their interactions were fun but Rapunzel holds a special place in my heart.

My daughter was excited to also read the arc and left her own feedback. She enjoyed Hana's story more than Rapunzel's because there was more romance in her story and gave this book five stars as well.

I was already planning to read this series to discuss with my daughter on so this was a great surprise to receive this arc. This book isn't set to release until November but I already put it on my daughter's Christmas list. I highly recommend this book to middle grade readers who love classic Disney stories with a twist.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Random House Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review.

This was a cute little story. I liked this idea very much. Especially because these are my favorite princess. I really liked the connection between everyone. I feel like I want to keep following their story line but I know that’s not how this story works. Still very cute and fun.

What a fun mashup of stories!

I really enjoyed this retelling of Rapunzel and the Little Mermaid. Full of twists and turns, surprises and additional fairy tale characters, Bussing does a great job to incorporate the traditional stories into an exciting new set up where villains and allies will surprise you.

There is a small romance element that includes hugs, hand holding, and kissing among a myriad of feelings expressed throughout the story. There is nothing explicit and it's slight enough to not take away from the main story.

I haven't read the others in the series, but can say this one is well written and engaging for middle grades.

I haven't read the two books that come before this, but I love fairy tales and I LOVE fractured fairy tales. I found the idea of two fairy tale princess swapping places to be very intriguing!
I wouldn't quite call this book a mystery, but first I was hooked trying to figure out when/how they would switch, and then I was hooked on the mystery of who caused the storm as well as each character's personal goal, and THEN I was hooked on the larger mermaid vs human conflict. So, layers!
Each character was definitely distinct, and even the side supporting characters and villains seemed to leap off the page.
You did NOT have to read the first books to understand this one, though I'm pretty sure there were some nods and easter eggs you would catch.
I thought it was very interesting to see both sides of a mutual fear-mongering campaign. The humans described the mermaids as terrifying creatures, and the mermaids described the humans pretty much the same, and neither was right.
I don't think it was really ever properly explained why the two characters switched places, though Hana and Rapunzel both think they know why, it just didn't seem quite right to me. But by the end I was satisfied and I don't need every answer for every story, so... I let it go. Mostly.

Fairytales will always bring me joy. Add curses, storms, and princesses swapping places?? I couldn't pass this up and I haven't even read the first two! Fortunately, it didn't matter.

Rapunzel and Hana were ridiculously fun to follow, and the age-appropriate romance sprinkled in was adorable. I would have been all about it at that age too! I remember starting to be interested in love stories but being too embarrassed to ask anyone to help me find something lol.

I do wish the characters leaned more into fresh takes and less into the familiar Disney vibes. But I love Disney movies too, so I can't complain too much. There was also a lot going on. I usually love middle grade because the plots are simpler and that's a lovely break sometimes. But this one felt crowded and some threads didn’t really get the closure I wanted, and it made the story feel a little messy.

If you're not already into fairy tales and princesses, this isn’t going to change your mind. But if you are and son’t mind some chaotic fun, this is a charming twisty mashup and a fun read.

This book (and the series) had a really cool premise, but I felt that it had to jump through some real hoops in order to bring the whole plot together. I didn’t have any major content concerns, but I didn’t love the attitude of the main characters in several circumstances. If my daughter asked to read it, I’d most likely let her, but I’d be reluctant to purchase.

Rapunzel and the Littlest Mermaid switch places by accident. I mean, the premise is right there in the title. The mermaid, Hana, is trying to figure out the cause of the mysterious storm on the surface that none of the other merple are taking seriously when she's swept into an unexpected deal and finds herself in a tower. Rapunzel, on the other hand, dreams of leaving her tower one day but doesn't expect that wish to be fulfilled by pulling her to the bottom of the ocean! Soon, the clock is ticking, and it becomes clear that each girl will have to use her unique character traits to stop a war or something even worse.

While a premise alone is not enough to carry a book, this book has a ton of good ideas. The plot, characters, and writing style rise to meet it, resulting in a captivating read featuring strong female protagonists, enchanting twists, and a clever ending. I had a great time reading this book and am looking forward to further installments of this series. Which princesses will we see next?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Kim Bussing does it again!! Growing up, the little mermaid was firmly cemented favorite, while Rapunzel was more consolation price. In this interwoven tale, both Rapunzel and Hana shine!! I loved the homage to kiss the girl, find the shell, and all the little gems in the storyline. The tale is fast paced and is decidedly more plot twisted than previous ( Jack wasn't who I pegged him to be)..
I polished the book off in a couple of hours and would highly recommend this to anyone who loves fairy tale retellings. The kinship and found family tropes that imbibes this series draws me in every time. Many thank yous to Netgally and Random Children's Bookhouse for sharing the Arc!

The concept for these books is so clever and so well carried out by the author. I love that the stories are swapped and that the princesses get to meet one another and work together. With this book, I also really liked that each princess had the chance to save themselves rather than needing to be saved by anyone else. Having the sea witch be morally ambiguous made her a very enjoyable character as well, I would love to learn more about her and her contracts. I would have liked just a little more between Rapunzel and Eloise - you would think there would have been more of a big moment between then considering everything that had happened. Also, how did Eloise not recognize Rapunzel right away? Especially since The General figured it out almost right away. The little twist involving Hana was interesting and opened up the opportunity for her to explore both land and sea. This seems like an end to the series, but the door is also left open for more stories within this world. I look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next!

Cute fairytale retelling but with a mash up twist!
The stories start out separate then mix together perfectly.
Unique way of our favorite fairytales!

I loved this. 1. I like that it’s an interconnected standalone. I didn’t feel lost not having read the previous installments, but it is alluded to at points in the book. 2. I loved all the characters and felt connected to each of them. I think it’s a must to watch Tangled after reading this, of course. 3. I really love any book that encourages young girls to find their voices. I’m interested in continuing the series and going back to see what I’ve missed.

This is a fairy tale remix, but the two stories mesh together fairly quickly and become their own story.

First off, yes, you can read this series out of order. It's probably better to read them in order. I started with this one and didn't feel too entirely lost. It's a solid entry in fairy tale mashups. The Little Mermaid and Rapunzel wind up in each other's stories and use that to their advantage to solve problems. There is a little romance, but it's a solid story of girl power, team work, and found family. Rapunzel's "mother" is an evil villain and her real mother is very sweet. I enjoyed this book and will return to the others.

This is the third book in The Princess Swap series, but you definitely don’t have to read the others first to enjoy it. I hadn’t, and I still followed everything just fine.
This book mashes up The Little Mermaid and Rapunzel, two of my favorite Disney princesses. Hana is the youngest and smallest mermaid (thus “Little” Mermaid) of six sisters, and Rapunzel is a girl locked in a tower because she’s supposedly cursed.
As much as I like the Disney princesses, though, I wish their characterization hadn’t leaned so hard into the Disneyfied versions of the characters. At times, I wished the story leaned more into the classic lore, or even in a completely new/original direction.
I also really liked the boys in this story. They weren’t just background characters, and I had a good time trying to guess which fairy tale characters they might be inspired by.
Overall, with its action, magic, and a weeee bit of romance, this one’s perfect for middle-grade readers (8–12ish).
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's | Random House Books for Young Readers, and Kim Bussing for this free, advance copy in exchange for an honest review

I received Rapunzel and the Sea Witch (or, The Little Mermaid and the Tower) by Kim Bussing from NetGalley. I had not read any other books in the series, but I feel as though it was ok to start with any book. I adore fairytale retellings and this was no exception. It was a fun spin that highlights how we often see the lives of others and wonder what it would be like to switch places.  

We all know the classic tale of Rapunzel. The girl with luscious locks that has been hidden away in a tall tower for her whole life until the handsome man comes to rescue her. This time the handsome man doesn't come to rescue her, but she does have a friend that accompanies her to save herself from the curse.  As well as the Little Mermaid. The story of the youngest of the royal mermaid princesses that longs to see what life on land is like and to find out how to stop the storm. 

This book is perfect for young readers who like to go on adventures in far away and mystical places (but really...don't they all?).  With a few friends joining in the adventure will the princesses succeed in breaking their own curses? Will they form a friendship? Do they even meet?!  All things you will find out when you open this third installment of the princess swap.