Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

It took me a tiny bit to get into this middle grade, but once the reader gets to see all the main characters, the adventure really takes off. The imagination and world building made reading about this world very entertaining. I am more of a character reader, so after 40 pages or so, I was hooked to the story.
It did remain me a lot of the "Secret Garden" with hints of the "Little Mermaid," yet this book is also it's own creation. If you love sea stories, a main character never giving up, friends to end, pirates, an old manor, and your classic "bad" (not bad per say, maybe morally gray) guys type of tropes, you may have a good time like I did.
I am glad to get an e-copy from Netgalley and my local library (2022) has this book on the shelves. Oh the illustrations sprinkle through has a fairytale setting as well.

I love retellings of The Little Mermaid but the formatting in this ARC has my head hurting. I can't get invested in the story because I keep feeling like everubody is unlikeable.

Thank you for the ARC

I really enjoy retellings and have read a few of them already and planned others.
But this was not it..it felt like it dragged on and was just...boring? Plus i could not get past the nickname "Lampie" it was a bit too wierd. This was just not for me.

I absolutely loved this one!
This book was such a wonderful read from start to finish.
I am always here for magical reads, especially in middle grade books. I loved the darker twist as well.
I would recommend this one for upper middle grade readers.

This was a really cute read, great for fans of The Hazel Wood! It was translated, so there are some sections where the writing doesn’t flow as well as other bits but it was a fun read!

A magical tale for young and older readers, this book is a totally immersive middle-grade+ adventure, which takes the mermaid fairytale, shakes it out, and lets it settle into a new – and often unsettling – mythology.

Lampie’s life is a hard one and upsetting from the start, but she refuses to let that hold her back and tackles every challenge with courage and inner strength. We are thrust straight into the action with her perilous match-mission, and the tension doesn’t let up from there on in.

There were echoes of both Beauty and the Beast and The Secret Garden at times in the plot, but the depth and development of the characters kept the tale fresh and unique, and left me pining for more at the end.

I would love to see more from this author, and from the world and characters she has created here.

I absolutely adored this book. It is so beautifully written! I felt like I was in the novel because of the beautiful imagery. And, I love how the novel was lighthearted but also taught important themes like bravery. Totally recommend!!!

Of Salt and Shore was an interesting read, with an undertone of sadness and hope. Fantasy mixed with the gritty realities of grief, loss, and cruelty made this a somewhat serious read.

I'm giving this one the benefit of the doubt. This was a weird story, and not necessarily in a good way. The thing that bugged me most was the constant pov change and the writing style. Unfortunately these two pulled me out of my flow, and I ended up not really enjoying it as much as I'd hoped.

I'm not sure there are words for how odd and great this book is but I'm going to try! I have never read a book written in this style, it is so unique and well done that it wasn't hard to read and added to this engrossing story. A twisty tale of loss and sadness, mermaids and pirates, and the worst and best in humanity, it gave me <i>A Series of Unfortunate Events</i> vibes but it also has a lightness that brings a smile to your face. The characters have a way of pulling at your heartstrings and cheering them on. This is a dark fantasy, fairytale-like story that I would recommend for middle grade to adult readers. Happy reading!

Translated from the Dutch, this has elements from several well-known fairytales, but manages to weave them together to create something fresh. Because of its classic roots, it goes darker than some modern MG fantasies, but it's a rich read.

This is a good read for anyone who is feeling powerless and needs to feel more powerful. Young girls (and boys!) will benefit from the poignant messages of this book.

As a result of my various committee appointments and commitments I am unable to disclose my personal thoughts on this title at this time. Please see my star rating for a general overview of how I felt about this title. Additionally, you may check my GoodReads for additional information on what thoughts I’m able to share publicly. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this and any other titles you are in charge of.

This was such a fun book to read before our beach vacation. A fairytale-like story that boys and girls, children and adults are sure to enjoy!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review (even if I am reviewing this very very late).

OF SALT AND SHORE is beautiful. The world that Lampie, our young protagonist, lives in is vividly described and comes to live around her and the reader. Lampie herself is such a pure character - she only wants to help people around her and do the right thing. She never tires even though she has been through trauma and terrible loss. Her frustrations are valid and appropriate to her situation. The setting and the characters make this book for me.

I had some issues with the plot and the intended audience. We are lacking resolution for all of the characters in the story. An epilogue could have solved this for us. It's not too hard to imagine an ending for the unresolved issues, but some additional hints about the fate of a specific character would have been welcome. This book is written at the middle grades level, but there were some mature issues that would have to be discussed with adults. If a younger reader was reading this independently, I hope that they would be talking to a trusted adult about the issues in the book (specifically loss of a parent, physical abuse, and sexual harassment). I feel like the group that would most enjoy this book are adult readers. It is so beautifully written and doesn't feel like it is only for middle grades readers.

Even after the happily ever after of any novel, there's always, "but what if..." as the characters continue to live in our heads.
This is what Dutch illustrator Annet Schaap has done with a very different take on the Little Mermaid in her middle school debut novel.
This beautiful and twisted telling includes mermaids, pirates, and monsters and enough twists and turns to give you a backache, but you're all the better for it.
A fast read, but one that hits the range of emotions about friendship, loss, and determination to do what's right.

*I received an advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review.

I expected the book to be whimsical and magical from the cover and description but I didn't get that at all from this. The writing style and the story didn't exactly match up with the illusion this book was trying to portray. This book was CHAOTIC and terribly confusing.

Anne Schaap has written a beautiful book. Of Salt and Shore is the story of Emilia, known by the village as "Lampie" because her job, since she could walk, is to light the lantern in the lighthouse each night. One day she becomes distracted and forgets to buy matches with disastrous results. Her father, never the same since he lost his leg and his wife, Lampie's mother passed, was locked in the lighthouse to light the lantern each night. Lampie was taken away and forced to work in the Admiral's Black House, a dark, dreary mansion rumored to be inhabited by a monster. Lampie isn't there long before she discovers that the monster is actually the abandoned son of the Admiral. His caretaker and companion died, which is why Lampie was needed - to clean and clean with one afternoon off a month. Her natural curiosity gets the better of her and Lampie discovers the boy, and why he is kept hidden. What happens next is a thrilling adventure involving a carnival, pirates, mermaids and hysterical villagers. Lampie has to rely on wits and courage she didn't know she had. Her courage has miraculous results. This is an excellent book for middle-schoolers. Readers of any age will enjoy Schaaps stark, magical writing style. There are a lot of ways to discuss this book that would make for a thoughtful, engaging book club or reading group selection. I am grateful for the opportunity to read an ARC and the opinions stated here are completely my own.