Series: Sea Witch #2
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on August 6, 2019
Genres: Historical Fantasy, Fairytale Retelling, Young Adult
Pages: 416
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Runa will not let her twin sister die. Alia traded her voice to the Sea Witch for a shot at happiness with a prince who doesn’t love her. And his rejection will literally kill her—unless Runa intervenes.
Under the sea, Evie craves her own freedom—but liberation from her role as Sea Witch will require an exchange she may not be willing to make. With their hearts’ desires at odds, what will Runa and Evie be willing to sacrifice to save their worlds?
Told from alternating perspectives, this epic fairy tale retelling is a romantic and heart-wrenching story about the complications of sisterhood, the uncompromising nature of magic, and the cost of redemption.
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I thought that I was happy with how Sea Witch brought about a beautifully tragic ending—and I am. While Sea Witch is able to stand alone, I love how Sea Witch Rising offers the tragic heroines from Sea Witch the opportunity to redeem themselves.
As with book one, Sea Witch Rising continues to portray the imperfections of humanity. Each character has his or her own motivations, and at times, they clash together. Sometimes, the protagonists didn’t reveal their plans until the last minute. Because of this, I didn’t know who to trust or who might betray the others. I enjoyed following Runa on her adventure on land. Evie was a little less proactive because of the restrictions placed on her, yet she demonstrates a creativity and resourcefulness that allows her to manipulate some things on her end. While the focus of this novel is on these two, the side characters did have their moments to shine. In particular, I appreciate how the women prove their resourcefulness and strength of character. Sisterhood continues to be a consistent theme in this series.
One of the biggest surprises to me with this novel is Henning’s take on this retelling of “The Little Mermaid.” I knew from the beginning that the little mermaid wouldn’t be one of the main characters: this story is told from the alternating perspectives of Evie, the sea witch, and Runa, one of the little mermaid’s sisters. What I didn’t expect was how little of the novel is focused on the Alia once she gets her legs or how her story would be resolved. I like what Henning does with her story. While I was hoping that Alia’s story would further redeem Evie’s past, it stays in line with the themes from book one, and it creates complications that force Evie to take action herself to move forward from the past.
Another element that I enjoyed from this book is the joining of the fantastical with a historical setting. In this case, World War I. Evie became the sea witch because of her attempts to use magic to solve real, human issues, and she creates a new situations because of her desire to help Alia fulfill her love, an opportunity that Evie lost in the incident that transformed her. Now, war looms before Evie and the mer-people, threatening their way of life. Evie’s world feels real and very much a part of our world. I felt as if I was experiencing it alongside of the characters.
I enjoyed reading Sea Witch Rising as a commentary on real human issues through a twisted retelling of “The Little Mermaid.” While not everyone gets a happy ending or the ending they wished for, the resolution was interesting. I believe this is where the series ends, but I’d be interested in seeing more from this world.
Come back next week for a giveaway of Sea Witch Rising!
Content
Kissing
Violence: murder, guns, magic, torture (not graphic)
Controlling father that uses his daughters and his people for his purposes
Comparable Titles
I recommend Sea Witch to fans of fairytale retellings, especially retellings that feature the villain.
Comparable titles: Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge, Heartless by Marissa Meyer, Fathomless by Jackson Pierce, Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao
Chat With Me
Have you read Sea Witch or Sea Witch Rising? Do you enjoy fairytale retellings? What are some that you’ve enjoyed? What are your thoughts on retellings told from the villain’s perspective?
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
I like the idea of retellings from a villain’s perspective. I’m trying to think if I’ve read one before … and I can’t think of one off the top of my head. I’ve read many positive reviews of this book, so I’m definitely planning to read it at some point.
Crystal says
Same here. I can’t think of other retellings that I’ve read from the villain’s perspective, though I know Disney has released some! I hope you enjoy Sea Witch Rising!
theorangutanlibrarian says
It’s good that this offers a chance at redemption, even if Sea Witch works as a standalone too. It’s really cool this worked as a commentary on real issues as well. Great review!
Crystal says
Yes, it made me happy to see that Sea Witch Rising offers the chance at redemption even if I can see Sea Witch standing alone. The commentary on real life issues through the blending of fantasy and history makes this book unique from most other retellings I’ve read. Thanks!
NANCY says
This type of book is new to me but I think I would enjoy retellings. In general, I think different perspectives is an interesting spin on any story.
Crystal says
I’ve enjoyed seeing authors’ spins on well-loved tales. I hope you enjoy Sea Witch Rising, Nancy.
John Smith says
“Have you read Sea Witch or Sea Witch Rising? Do you enjoy fairytale retellings? What are some that you’ve enjoyed? What are your thoughts on retellings told from the villain’s perspective?”
I haven’t read these, alas! I do enjoy fairytale retellings! I enjoyed the old animated “Fractured Fairytales”! Villains can tell their stories, but they still have to be villainous!
Crystal says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I hope you enjoy the Sea Witch books, John!
Danielle Hammelef says
I haven’t read these books, though I do enjoy the idea of retellings from the villain’s prospective. I have read a retelling of King Midas, a few of Peter Pan, as well as a Beauty and the Beast type in Echo North (the actual fairy tale inspiration is one unfamiliar to me).
Crystal says
Retellings from the villain’s perspective are really enjoyable. Especially when they provide an origin story! I hope you enjoy the Sea Witch books, Danielle!