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retrogirlreads's review against another edition
5.0
This aptly named anthology was in fact, incredibly enchanting. It features ten magical, water-themed short stories from a variety of authors, and 100% of the proceeds go to Oceana. Each story was wonderfully unique, and I loved them all. I know I will be checking out each of these authors on their own in the future! While the stories varied in length, they all had incredibly rich details and lovely world building. I can't even tell you which story was my favorite, because they were all amazing in their own way! I was very impressed with both the authors and the stories in this anthology. This is the perfect collection of stories for all fantasy fans who out there who want to experience a little bit of magic!
procrastiwriter's review
4.0
I received an ARC of "The Naiad's Curse" in exchange for an honest review. So I'll mostly be going over that story as I haven't read all of the others yet.
"The Naiad's Curse" is beautifully written and has a whimsical fairytale feel that makes me reminiscent of the Grimm Brothers. I loved the depth of Nate's character and the descriptions of the world, especially the details of the religion and the descriptions of the nix.
However, I was disappointed by the ending. It feels rushed.
There are so many pages of excellent word building and increasing tension for it all to fall flat. This story deserved either a great tragedy or a great redemption for its resolution. And it doesn't get either one. Instead, we're told it's all so neat and tidy for Nate now, while the rest is left in the air for us to find out later.
I'm sorry, but the way this ended for the nix's character doesn't make sense at all. I should be able to look back and find clues for it, but there aren't any. I want to have that "aha!" moment where I realize the author was laying the groundwork all along under my nose. But that doesn't happen at all.
For just this story, I would give it three stars because I liked it (I loved the beginning and a lot of the buildup), but it didn't deliver for me in the end.
However, I'm giving the overall anthology four stars because this is an easy, fairytale read with depth and character. And some of the other stories I've read so far (like "Merrily, Merrily") are a solid five stars on their own.
"The Naiad's Curse" is beautifully written and has a whimsical fairytale feel that makes me reminiscent of the Grimm Brothers. I loved the depth of Nate's character and the descriptions of the world, especially the details of the religion and the descriptions of the nix.
However, I was disappointed by the ending. It feels rushed.
There are so many pages of excellent word building and increasing tension for it all to fall flat. This story deserved either a great tragedy or a great redemption for its resolution. And it doesn't get either one. Instead, we're told it's all so neat and tidy for Nate now, while the rest is left in the air for us to find out later.
I'm sorry, but the way this ended for the nix's character doesn't make sense at all. I should be able to look back and find clues for it, but there aren't any. I want to have that "aha!" moment where I realize the author was laying the groundwork all along under my nose. But that doesn't happen at all.
For just this story, I would give it three stars because I liked it (I loved the beginning and a lot of the buildup), but it didn't deliver for me in the end.
However, I'm giving the overall anthology four stars because this is an easy, fairytale read with depth and character. And some of the other stories I've read so far (like "Merrily, Merrily") are a solid five stars on their own.
darrahsteffenwrites's review
5.0
I loved the collection or stories. I love the range the book showed. These authors did an amazing job.
I particularly like Naiad's Curse by Astrid V.J. I like the world she created in such a short time.
I particularly like Naiad's Curse by Astrid V.J. I like the world she created in such a short time.
constant2m's review
4.0
This watery collection included ten stories:
1. Daughter of the Selkie King
A girl learns her parentage and must decide whether she is meant to stay on land or sea.
2. Merrily Merrily
Zane should inherit his mother's ship and crew, but she has other plans. Will he find a way to win her approval or make his own way in the world?
3. The Kelpie of Loch Linnhe
A knight helps a maiden return to her home, but things may not be all they seem.
4. The Bridge
A woman learns a terrible secret and must decide if she will hold on to the past and her bitterness or move forward and accept good life for herself.
5. Kiss the Frog
When an enchanted frog tries to find a maiden to kiss him and break the enchantment, he ends up learning more than he bargained for.
6. Sea Ghost of the Isle
An American girl moves to Scotland and finds ghost stories coming to life around her.
7. The Naiad's Curse
This story felt like a fairy tale version of The Good Earth or The Golden Thread. A poor man makes a bargain that ends up costing more than he bargained for.
8. The Arctic Mermaid
A mermaid, an enchantress, and a king find their stories entertwined as the mermaid takes on an impossible quest and uncovers a story that could change the course of a kingdom.
9. Heartless Melody
The story of Peter Piper when he was a simple rat catcher, his first love, and how he got his enchanted pipe.
10. The Wishing Well
A girl of marriageable age makes a wish that affects her future in ways she doesn’t quite imagine.
I enjoyed most of the stories, but my favorites were Sea Ghost of the Isle, because of the way it delved into Scottish folklore and language, and Heartless Melody, because, well, I do love Peter and this explains so much of who he is. The Arctic Mermaid was also interesting and creative and I loved it until the ending. If you read it, we can talk, but I don't want to spoil anything.
All of the stories were well-written and engaging, and I would read any of the authors again. I was given a free review copy of the audiobook and have reviewed it willingly.
1. Daughter of the Selkie King
A girl learns her parentage and must decide whether she is meant to stay on land or sea.
2. Merrily Merrily
Zane should inherit his mother's ship and crew, but she has other plans. Will he find a way to win her approval or make his own way in the world?
3. The Kelpie of Loch Linnhe
A knight helps a maiden return to her home, but things may not be all they seem.
4. The Bridge
A woman learns a terrible secret and must decide if she will hold on to the past and her bitterness or move forward and accept good life for herself.
5. Kiss the Frog
When an enchanted frog tries to find a maiden to kiss him and break the enchantment, he ends up learning more than he bargained for.
6. Sea Ghost of the Isle
An American girl moves to Scotland and finds ghost stories coming to life around her.
7. The Naiad's Curse
This story felt like a fairy tale version of The Good Earth or The Golden Thread. A poor man makes a bargain that ends up costing more than he bargained for.
8. The Arctic Mermaid
A mermaid, an enchantress, and a king find their stories entertwined as the mermaid takes on an impossible quest and uncovers a story that could change the course of a kingdom.
9. Heartless Melody
The story of Peter Piper when he was a simple rat catcher, his first love, and how he got his enchanted pipe.
10. The Wishing Well
A girl of marriageable age makes a wish that affects her future in ways she doesn’t quite imagine.
I enjoyed most of the stories, but my favorites were Sea Ghost of the Isle, because of the way it delved into Scottish folklore and language, and Heartless Melody, because, well, I do love Peter and this explains so much of who he is. The Arctic Mermaid was also interesting and creative and I loved it until the ending. If you read it, we can talk, but I don't want to spoil anything.
All of the stories were well-written and engaging, and I would read any of the authors again. I was given a free review copy of the audiobook and have reviewed it willingly.
meadoehora's review
4.0
In this collection of short stories, you'll meet all kinds of mythical sea creatures. It's a fun collection of fantasy short stories from around the world, perfect for fans of mythology or folklore. The best part is that the proceeds go to support our oceans. Thanks for the ARC copy.
amberherbert's review against another edition
5.0
*Please note: This review is for "Naiad's Curse", just one of the stories in this collection. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
I absolutely adored this story. The characters were believable but whimsical, the magical descriptions were written well, and I had a wonderful time reading it. I also appreciated how an understated fairytale was chosen. I had never heard of "The Nixie of the Mill-pond" before diving into this story but plan on breaking out my copy of Brothers Grimm now that I've had a taste.
I can't wait to read the other stories in this anthology.
I absolutely adored this story. The characters were believable but whimsical, the magical descriptions were written well, and I had a wonderful time reading it. I also appreciated how an understated fairytale was chosen. I had never heard of "The Nixie of the Mill-pond" before diving into this story but plan on breaking out my copy of Brothers Grimm now that I've had a taste.
I can't wait to read the other stories in this anthology.
boundhobbies's review against another edition
5.0
First off, all profits go to Oceana to support their mission to protect the world’s oceans and promote sustainable fishing. Bonus ⭐️
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