From the very beginning, I was pulled right into this world. The ocean setting feels so vivid, and there’s this mix of beauty and danger that makes it hard to look away. The writing flows really well and made it easy to picture everything as I was reading.

The author created such an interesting main character. You can really feel how much she’s torn between what she’s supposed to do and what she’s starting to feel, and that tension makes you want to keep reading to see what she chooses.

If you like fantasy with ocean vibes, a bit of mystery, and a slow-building romance, this is definitely one to check out.

Thank you to Lauren Wiesebron for the opportunity to read this early copy.

This book was absolutely fantastic. I did not want to put it down once I started reading. Easily able to give this book five stars.

This story was BEAUTIFUL. The world building, the pros, the setting… Everything was beautiful. I think I’m entering my mermaid era, and I am not mad about it! I love a difficult choice in a fantasy story, and this one was so good. I mean, picking between your heart and your home… So well done!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!

This is such a thoroughly well developed world, the author has done a truly excellent job building this atmospheric place for us to experience. That’s really all I can say, you must give it a try for yourself.

Where do I even start. The beautiful cover? The heartwarming story? The fact that I could cry that it’s now over? 😭 Don’t sleep on this one, it’s truly a one of a kind for both mermaid and fantasy novels. 🧜🏼‍♀️🪸👑

Nolwenn is a lighthouse keeper, a protector of the city “Ys” (yeah not the greatest choice of names, but I guess it’s a real legend?) from sea monsters who appear when the moon is full. Everyone in this book has a really Celtic name, so you’ll get used to that, but don’t let it deter you in the beginning. There’s a bit of world building for the first few chapters, but it all will eventually make sense. Some GREAT plot twists and storyline in this one that have to be led up to.

Nolwenn gets saved by a Korrigeez (this book’s version of mermaids) where she is taken to their underworld palace (aptly named Ys-Below). The book is written in 1st person, so the interesting part (albeit frustrating early on) is that we know only as much as Nolwenn does…which is nothing because she doesn’t speak their language. It really ties you to the character as you navigate her story alongside her as she tries to communicate and figure everything out. I found myself glad that we didn’t get other perspectives because it made the mystery all that more intriguing as it unfolded. There were so many times I was on the edge of my seat hanging onto every word!

This isn’t necessarily a fast-paced book, it has its own pace, but it’s fantastically creative and I absolutely fell in love with the Korrigeez and this love story. It also has a bit of twist in that these “mermaids” don’t have genders in the same way we do, so it’s sort of a choose your own adventure for how you want to envision the MMC/MFC. I was a little disgruntled at first as it was hard for me to picture them (and the they/them is used for all the Korrigeez the entire book which not gonna lie can be confusing - I would have to reread sentences to make sure I understood who was being talked about), but I eventually just went with what my imagination gave me.

There’s angry queens and politics, mermaid legends, a little magic, a wondrous love story and of course, a yellow octopus named Lemon. 🍋🐙 Definitely check this one out in September for its’ release!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyage for the early copy in exchange for my honest review.