jessyhayward's review against another edition
3.0
Bride of the Sea is a cute (albeit slightly cliche) retelling of The Little Mermaid inspired by Irish mythology. It’s darker than the Disney version, of course, and features merrows and other fae. As for my opinion on it…it was good. It wasn’t ground-breaking by any means, but I enjoyed the story and the main romance. If you like The Little Mermaid, sirens/mermaids, and/or Irish mythology, then you’ll probably like this.
suey_library's review against another edition
5.0
I received for an honest review. Thank you Book End Tours & Emma Hamm for providing copy of Bride of the Sea.
Let me just fan girl for a hot second - firstly Little Mermaid was my ALL time favorite Disney movie growing up. There I said it, I admitted it. I am well into my adult life and I still binge watch it like no other. Secondly not only doing this tour have I come to realize how many authors are doing mermaid retellings lately (seriously, right on babes) but the fact that I can fangirl with the author Emma Hamm is beyond mind boggling. It is weird, I never thought I would be in close chat chitting matches with an author, one who shares my passion for retellings. It is surreal.
Whew, fangirl moments have been accomplished.
Many bookish buddies know that I have a hardcore book boner for retellings in general. Whether I ultimately like the novel after the read is definitely subjective from time to time but regardless I always can appreciate any authors take on any spectrum of a retelling. Honestly, you can rip the original apart to make your own twist, or build on the already amazing fairytale, any author who takes the plunge is a god to me! Seriously, I love retellings, they are just a fun genre. Ergo Bride of the Sea.
Little Mermaid meets Irish Mythology - boom... instant obsessive read frenzy. I cannot get over the alluring world that Hamm created. My mind is still entranced with everything. From the start, following the story with Saorise and Manus, the world opens new tales to add to the backbone of the characters. I am obsessed with Hamm's writing style, her ability to twist her own originality of these fairytales is just making my speckled heart sore to it's happy place. The Fae backbone down to the Merrows, just beautiful atmosphere for the imagination.
Speaking of the Merrows, Saorise. She really reminded me of Ariel but so very different. The innocence definitely takes a different B-line from the favorite Disney star, so if you go in this thinking you get Ariel, you will be surprised it is something more evolved. Though she is naive, childlike, she is also brave and strong, really fearless in many aspects of the novels progression. She has such compassion, she is absolutely a stunning character. As for Manus - ugh he pissed me off, but not in a 'I hate this book' kind of way. He legitimately needed to be punched in his balls for how he was in his feelings towards Saorise verses the Sea. Though his conflict of emotions is justified, I think Manus was that typical alpha delicious male who couldn't see what was standing in front of his stubborn face.
But oh, their chemistry. It would seriously light a fire in the depths of the chillest oceans. Beyond all consuming and beautifully written. The chemistry between Saorise and Manus was just captivating from the start. I could feel their passion from the pages.
Bottom line - I loved it. It grasped the essence of my beloved childhood movie with the most stunningly beautiful Irish world. I was completely enamored by everything. I am still getting chills down my spine from the Merrow scenes along with the passion behind the backbone of the sea to the adventure on land. I highly recommend picking up Bride of the Sea if you love retellings as much as me, the mushy gush romance with the aspects of folklore and fairytale goodies will have your mouth watering for more of this world.
...Here's hoping Declan is the next Fae to magically swoon my heart with each page.
Let me just fan girl for a hot second - firstly Little Mermaid was my ALL time favorite Disney movie growing up. There I said it, I admitted it. I am well into my adult life and I still binge watch it like no other. Secondly not only doing this tour have I come to realize how many authors are doing mermaid retellings lately (seriously, right on babes) but the fact that I can fangirl with the author Emma Hamm is beyond mind boggling. It is weird, I never thought I would be in close chat chitting matches with an author, one who shares my passion for retellings. It is surreal.
Whew, fangirl moments have been accomplished.
Many bookish buddies know that I have a hardcore book boner for retellings in general. Whether I ultimately like the novel after the read is definitely subjective from time to time but regardless I always can appreciate any authors take on any spectrum of a retelling. Honestly, you can rip the original apart to make your own twist, or build on the already amazing fairytale, any author who takes the plunge is a god to me! Seriously, I love retellings, they are just a fun genre. Ergo Bride of the Sea.
Little Mermaid meets Irish Mythology - boom... instant obsessive read frenzy. I cannot get over the alluring world that Hamm created. My mind is still entranced with everything. From the start, following the story with Saorise and Manus, the world opens new tales to add to the backbone of the characters. I am obsessed with Hamm's writing style, her ability to twist her own originality of these fairytales is just making my speckled heart sore to it's happy place. The Fae backbone down to the Merrows, just beautiful atmosphere for the imagination.
Speaking of the Merrows, Saorise. She really reminded me of Ariel but so very different. The innocence definitely takes a different B-line from the favorite Disney star, so if you go in this thinking you get Ariel, you will be surprised it is something more evolved. Though she is naive, childlike, she is also brave and strong, really fearless in many aspects of the novels progression. She has such compassion, she is absolutely a stunning character. As for Manus - ugh he pissed me off, but not in a 'I hate this book' kind of way. He legitimately needed to be punched in his balls for how he was in his feelings towards Saorise verses the Sea. Though his conflict of emotions is justified, I think Manus was that typical alpha delicious male who couldn't see what was standing in front of his stubborn face.
But oh, their chemistry. It would seriously light a fire in the depths of the chillest oceans. Beyond all consuming and beautifully written. The chemistry between Saorise and Manus was just captivating from the start. I could feel their passion from the pages.
Bottom line - I loved it. It grasped the essence of my beloved childhood movie with the most stunningly beautiful Irish world. I was completely enamored by everything. I am still getting chills down my spine from the Merrow scenes along with the passion behind the backbone of the sea to the adventure on land. I highly recommend picking up Bride of the Sea if you love retellings as much as me, the mushy gush romance with the aspects of folklore and fairytale goodies will have your mouth watering for more of this world.
...Here's hoping Declan is the next Fae to magically swoon my heart with each page.
alexperc_92's review against another edition
5.0
Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*
I knew that the tale of Manus was going to be told at some point! Following the first two books of the series (which are a Beauty and the Beast retelling), Bride of the Sea takes place few years before the first two books and tells the story of Saoirse, a merrow, and Manus.
Knowing that this was a Little Mermaid retelling, I feared that Emma Hamm was going to tear my heart out, since many retellings of the tale have really cruel endings, but in this book, I loved the descriptions, how the romance grew and how from Saoirse's eyes you can see the life and the world Emma Hamm has created for her characters!
At the same time, the designs of the characters in the book matched perfectly with the cover art! It's one of the few times when I am so excited for a cover that depicts the characters shown and it's easy to imagine them (also check out Emma's Instagram! She has commissioned art too!)
There is also a new secondary character whose story I am very curious to find out and mostly to discover more amazing stories from Emma! She is very talented and her books are hidden gems!
Emotional, lovely and heartfelt Bride of the Sea will sweep you away!
I knew that the tale of Manus was going to be told at some point! Following the first two books of the series (which are a Beauty and the Beast retelling), Bride of the Sea takes place few years before the first two books and tells the story of Saoirse, a merrow, and Manus.
Knowing that this was a Little Mermaid retelling, I feared that Emma Hamm was going to tear my heart out, since many retellings of the tale have really cruel endings, but in this book, I loved the descriptions, how the romance grew and how from Saoirse's eyes you can see the life and the world Emma Hamm has created for her characters!
At the same time, the designs of the characters in the book matched perfectly with the cover art! It's one of the few times when I am so excited for a cover that depicts the characters shown and it's easy to imagine them (also check out Emma's Instagram! She has commissioned art too!)
There is also a new secondary character whose story I am very curious to find out and mostly to discover more amazing stories from Emma! She is very talented and her books are hidden gems!
Emotional, lovely and heartfelt Bride of the Sea will sweep you away!
queenpebbles's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
morrighanrose's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book and I'm giving it ALL the stars! This Little Mermaid retelling is full of Celtic mythology woven throughout the story beautifully. The characters were well written, and witnessing their development throughout the book was satisfying. Emma Hamm brought to life one of my favorite mythological creatures and made her shine. The romance was perfectly realistic, reminding us that sometimes, relationships are work. There is no happily ever after without it, and I think that is a wonderful lesson that a lot of bookish romances fail to teach. The world building was amazing, and I especially loved the faerie isles. Vacation goals! 😂💖 I highly, highly recommend Bride of the Sea!
nsb94's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
schmids's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
booklover03's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
themoonphoenix's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
redhairedashreads's review against another edition
2.0
So after loving the first two books in this series I'm sad to say I didn't really like this one. I grew bored with Manus constantly doubting her love and expecting her to leave. I also got tired of him never asking her opinion on things and just expecting her to appreciate everything he did. Overall the whole story was just a little too slow for my liking and I just didn't really connect with the characters.