Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy of this book.

This is a fun prequel to the new live action Little Mermaid. It has a good overall story and a fun insight into Ariel and her sisters. If you liked the new movie, you will probably like this book. The narrator also did a good job as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney for the audio galley to review!

If you're like me and have seen the prequel to original The Little Mermaid, take your expectations and toss them out the door. This is a completely new prequel story for the live action The Little Mermaid and the only thing familiar is Ariel's mother being killed by humans. This prequel tells the tale of how Ariel comes to be protector of her own sea, just like her sisters before her.

However, the ceremony to make this happen is interrupted by the kidnapping of Ariel's eldest sister, Mala. Mala is being used as ransom for Triton's throne. What follows is Ariel's attempt at solving Mala's kidnapping within a strict time limit while her father frustratingly won't listen to her input. Along the way, Ariel comes to terms with her mother's death and overcomes her grief, while also making up with her sisters and getting them to bond. She also meets Flounder, who is instrumental to the sisters' success at rescuing Mala, and she proves that the literal racism merfolk have against sea monsters is some nonsense that needs to be dealt with at the highest level.

The villain/kidnapper is very obvious from the beginning and they're honestly quite a forgetful character, but really, they're a plot device for the main focus, which is Ariel finding her courage and maturity--both of which she'll need as a protector. Basically, similar to the main story of The Little Mermaid, Ariel is trying to prove herself to her father and show how foolish and stubborn he really is, especially when it comes to his distrust of anyone that isn't a merperson.

Despite it feeling slow in the beginning, I ended up enjoying this new story for the IP. I also mostly enjoyed the narrator, though at times I cringed at some over-acting and constant need to actually clear the throat whenever a character is clearing their throat. I have not watched the live action remake yet, but the set-up of the new version of the world of The Little Mermaid that this story lets us see makes me very curious about it. And even if I end up not liking the movie, I can at least take comfort in the fact that I liked its prequel.

This was a fun take on an old story. I liked the family mystery and I think lots of people will have fun with this one.

Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy. I did enjoy this book but it was a firm 3 starts for me. The narrator was good and I lived hearing more about Ariel and her sisters but it was a little juvenile for me to be truly wowed.

In Against the Tide, the author, J. Elle, recasts the story of the Little Mermaid in a different world in which she and her six sisters are crowned as protectors over their own seas. They rules their own territories. On the day when Ariel was to be appointed as a protector having finally reached the age of 15, one of her sisters is kidnapped, and Ariel seeks to solve the mystery and free her.

This reimaging of the Little Mermaid was new to me. I'm not so sure that it is a true prequel, but a new telling of an old story. The book is entertaining enough. In what seems a fairly traditional frame, King Triton doesn't listen to his daughter at first, and so she has to sneak around behind his back to solve the mystery of her sister's disappearance. She meets Flounder who helps her out. Another key theme woven through the story is how Ariel also seeks to bring peace to her sisters and bring them back together. Also, she sees the world in a more inclusive way which will impact the way she will lead in the future.

Thank you to Disney and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this story (audiobook version). All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked that it followed the flow of the story in the most recent adaptation movie. I also felt like as someone who saw the movie I learned and understood Ariel's mindset a bit more. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and the narration was excellent. Highly recommend this one!

This book is an excellent addition to any library collection, particularly libraries that have an active Tween population. The characters are well rounded and well described. The story is fast paced and the environment well described.
What I loved most about this story is that it gives depth to the Little Mermaid world including their politics, beliefs and family structure. It's a wonderful addition for anyone that's a fan of the Little Mermaid story- even parents!

This Little Mermaid story seems to take place before the movies. Ariel is about to become the protector of her own territory under the sea when things go awry. Ariel has to smooth over politics, reunite her family and find her missing sister before it's too late.

I love that this story is a tour of the sea, its creatures and its politics. In this story, Ariel meets Flounder, we are briefly introduced to Ursula and her backstory, we get to know Ariel's sisters and we find out more about what happened to Ariel's mom and her special song. There were little nuggets of information hidden throughout this novel.

If you love Little Mermaid like I love little mermaid... this story answers a lot of questions from the original. There's some great themes and new lovable characters. The overall theme I took away: love is love: so whomever you love be it sea monster or mermaid or both... it's love and it's accepted.

*This story gives new depth to Flounder and I am here for it.*

The Disney version of the Little Mermaid was my absolute favorite movie growing up and Ariel for a long time was my favorite princess (now I love my girl Belle, because duh, books). When I saw the live action adaptation announced I was so excited to see a POC playing the main character! That being said, I am excited to see new supporting and promotional material for this new version of the little mermaid – thus jumping at the opportunity to read Against the Tide.
Against the Tide is a prequel taking place before the 2023 released movie and really helps you understand the motivation behind the characters action and see each character in a new way. The epilogue ties into the new movie perfectly setting up its events.

J. Elle wove a beautiful tale that captured the toll that grief can take on a family and the journey that they must take to find their way back to each other. The plot with a mystery perfectly weaved in the character's arc of trusting herself.

The Little Mermaid has never been one of my favorite Disney tales. But I've made a point to consume as much (positive) media as possible surrounding the newest The Little Mermaid adaptation. In the wake of so much ridiculous book banning and so much controversy for a POC playing a previously white character, I want all the little girls (and boys!) to get to experience the joy we felt growing up. And, without all the negativity from adults, they can, and will, have a chance to enjoy this generation's version. As a Librarian, I will be promoting anything and everything to do with the live action. And this is a fun prequel to read before or after watching the movie.

Against the Tide is an original novel written by New York Times best-selling author J. Elle inspired by Disney's upcoming live action reimagining of The Little Mermaid.

After the death of Ariel’s mother, the queen of the sea, the seven daughters of King Triton have grown estranged. It’s been years since Ariel’s older sisters have come home. But this year’s Coral Moon is fast approaching, and it’s a special one for Ariel. Finally fifteen, she is supposed be granted the Protector of her very own ocean territory and her sisters have agreed to visit for the celebration.

But the ceremony is halted when Mala, one of King Triton's daughters, is kidnapped. To rescue Mala, Ariel must work together with her siblings, traveling to various seas, to find the truth of what happened to their mother. But as Ariel and her sisters begin uncovering new secrets about their family and their kingdom, Ariel will have to face the loss of a mother she never had a chance to know and discover what it means to be both a good sister and a strong leader. The clock is ticking.

Their is also an epilogue from Ursula that sets the stage for the movie. Marcella Cox does a wonderful job narrating.


***Thank you to Netgalley and Disney Audiobooks, Disney Press for providing me with a review copy.***

Title: The Little Mermaid Against the Tide
Author: J. Elle
Narrator: Marcella Cox
Publisher: Disney Audio- Disney Books
Genre: Fantasy, YA/Teen
Pub Date: May 26, 2023
My Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages: 320

In anticipation of the release of the updated 1989 classis of ‘’Little Mermaid’ which is today Friday May 26, 2023, I thought it was appropriated to download this story.
At first I had a problem visualizing iwat was doing on, so viewed the movie trailer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jslK3f077L0
Which made a big different. I am sure the movie is going to be a hit!!!
Story was good and definitely was better after seeing the trailer.

This story is sort of a prequel to the movie and written more for teens. True there are some changes but I am sure readers as well as movie goers will still find it enjoyable.
The message is still good.

Want to thank NetGalley and Disney Audio for granting me this audio.
Publishing Release Date May 26,, 2023..

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Audiobooks for providing a copy of this audio ARC for review.

This was a delightful read. The Little Mermaid was a favourite of mine as a child. Over 30 years later, and I still adore the animated movie, and am devouring any retellings that come my way. I loved the relationships between Ariel and her sisters. Ariel herself is still young and idealistic, but has more depth than the Ariel I remember. I hadn’t done much research prior to reading (fear of spoilers), but it seems this is a prequel to the live action film. I’m anticipating great things based on the characterization in this novel. I also loved the sea monster angle and that the sisters each have their own kingdoms.

The narrator did a great job making this feel like an extension to the Little Mermaid motion picture. I was digging the backstory between Ariel and her sister and more on her mother. Triton always the controlling over bearing father always makes me want to know more of her mother. Definitely would recommend this to my students and the audiobook especially!

I know many students are excited for the new movie. This story is a prequel to the movie and will give them a better understanding of the story. It is a cute story with a good message. I think it will be a hit with many of the older elementary students.