How do I even begin? This book was fantastic from the beginning of page 1 all the way to the end. The author did such a brilliant job of twisting the story of the little mermaid and giving it a murderous dark re-imagining. The POV was dual perspective and the voices of the two main characters were so different and complete, each had their own agency and goals, yet the story wove together well because they both had the same dark view of the world they were living in. They both felt trapped by the circumstances of the lives they were forced into.
A true enemies to lovers romance. These two characters want to kill each other with a ferocity and wildness that is hard to read at times but so captivating you can't turn away. The world-building was eerie and multi-faceted. So rich with different cultures that it would be a shame if there were no more books or stories written within the world the author created.
The retelling was masterful, original and unique, while still hitting all of the emotional highs and lows of the original story and using parts of the original story to layer in world-building. She had a way of keeping the stakes high while varying the pace that kept me reading well into the night. I really enjoyed her take on a classic and would even say that she has written one of my favorite retellings Definitely on par with the Lunar Chronicles, maybe even better.
I saw a few readers who were unhappy with the ending and I understand the sentiment, I wasn't particularly excited to see the story come to an end either. However, I liked that she ended the book on a hopeful note that implied a happily ever after while still leaving room for just enough doubt. That seems appropriate for the dark tone written throughout the novel.
I can't wait to read more from this author. Well. Done.