2.75 ⭐️

This one just wasn’t for me.

I personally didn’t like any of the romance in the book, & there really wasn’t a lot in it at all.
I’d say this is really more a Fantasy book rather than a Romantasy.

The arc was only 180 pages and I really felt like that intense of a story should be at least 300, it felt slightly rushed and I didn’t feel much of a connection with the characters.

What I did enjoy:

It had a little bit of the little mermaid vibes but add in Hawaii 🌺

The idea of the story with it being about Poseidons son Triton getting sent to live with Anela (a Demi god/ sea nymph) daughter of hi’iaka (a Hawaiian goddess) & her sister after his father bans him from the Atlantic due to him killing a sea creature to “protect” his sister until he’s “worthy” of coming home.

Also I loved what Anela did to Poseidon… he deserved it 100% (IYKYK)

Thank you NetGalley & the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review 🫶

Curse of the Nautilus is a great villain origin story and is a captivating twist on the sea witch's backstory. Ralynn blends Greek and Hawaiian mythology in a tale filled with pain and heartache, tension, sacrifice, revenge, and spice. I really enjoyed this one!

Check your trigger warnings!

First, I wanted to thank @NetGalley, @rayekimie, and @steely.pr for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Curse of the Nautilus is the villain origin story of the sea witch. It is a dark, spicy, emotional story that follows Anela, the daughter of the Hawaiian Goddess Hi'iaka, and Triton, the son of Poseidon. While there is romance, this is a villain origin first and foremost. No HEAs will be found.

It is a cross-over of godlike proportions. I’ve not yet read a book where mythologies overlap and I love it! The Little Mermaid, Moana, and Grimm Tales combine in this dark origin story that has you rooting for the villain. Please read the TWs for this book - it has some very dark themes and graphic scenes.

After killing a sea monster to save his sister, Triton finds himself banished to the Pacific Ocean without his ability to turn into a Siren. He is rescued by the Goddess Hi'iaka and protected by her daughters Anela and Malia. Used to luring humans to their deaths, Triton has to quickly adapt to being in the human world and has to try and stay alive while Ukupanipo and his Shark Boys (who remind me of the wolf pack in Twilight) seek to kill him.

"Because I never understood until now"

This book was well-written, and such a cool story featuring one of my favorite childhood villans. There were twists and turns I didn't see coming, but when it all came together it was just awesome.

TW: Rape, Sexual Harassment, Beastiality?

4.5 stars rounded up

I really enjoyed this, it’s a well crafted villain origin story that made me feel angry and left me staring at the wall at the end just taking in what I’d read. Ralynn Kimie’s writing is a joy to read. The world building, magic, characters and overall story came together to make something I’d never experienced before.

I know this is going to be one of those stories that sticks with me for a long while. Thank you NetGalley for the arc.

Curse of the Nautilus is a modernized, Hawaiian mythology inspired villain origin story. We follow Aneala, a sea nymph, who has to deal with the fallout after her goddess mother takes in Triton, a siren and son of Poseidon. The local gods and almost everyone in the seven seas is trying to murder him and Aneala can’t figure out why her mother is trying so hard to protect him.

This is not a love story, this is a villain origin story and I have never sided with the villain so hard. I enjoyed all of the Hawaiian mythology in this book as it’s not something I’m super familiar with. There are a few nods to the little mermaid that I caught throughout that were fun to see. This was quick to read and addictive, I read it one sitting. I enjoyed that the person who ended up being the villain tried to do the right thing at every turn and pushed down time and time again. I did think it was going to a different character until close to the end. Definitely read the trigger warnings, they are both alluded to and happen a few times on page.

Thanks to Steely Co Publishing, Ralynn Kimie and NetGalley for this e-ARC

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for a review.

This was described as a villain origin story, and boy did it deliver on that front. Anela was an interesting main character to get behind, and my girl was justified in the decisions she made for sure. I found all of the characters interesting and compelling, and there is certainly no clear hero in this story. In terms of storyline and pacing, I enjoyed the first half of this book more than the second half because the character and world building was so interesting. The pacing at the end felt like we were racing to the finish, but nonetheless, I enjoyed. The tension and darkness worked well together.

Content warning for on page sexual assault, which happens twice during the book.

This was a very interesting take on a villains story mixing with mythology. If you loved a little mermaid growing up, but would like a dark twist, hints of mythology and more of a story about Ursula then this book may be for you!! *** check trigger warnings before reading ***

Thank you Ralynn Kimie and NetGalley for allowing me to have an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Overall, I quite enjoyed the story and the different take. However, breaking it down into bits I liked and didn’t like will follow with spoilers below.

I really struggled to get engaged with this book. While it was a very short book, the first half seemed to really drag on. There was a lot of lead up and tension building with Brooke’s vision, but I felt like that just fizzled off without much attention, making it seem completely unnecessary towards the end. I was disappointed with how Anela and Tritons left things at the end of the book. I’m assuming this will lead to other books because of leaving so many things left untouched… but after seeing the hype with Brooke and then nothing coming from it I’m not sure if there is more to the story. I wish more information was revealed about the girls mother and father, how only a handful had gifts on the island, what happened to firth, etc. I just felt like there was so much build up in the book but there was far too many things left untied. Unfortunately, when that many things are left untied in the first book it makes me very reluctant to read the next book. This book had so many great ideas and story lines tied into it, just too vaguely!

Reviewed on Goodreads

First, I'd like to thank NetGalley and Steely Hearts Co. for providing me with the ARC for this book. I enjoyed reading about how the different gods of different creatures interact, the consequences of Triton's and Anela's actions, and the sisterhood of Malia and Anela. I took a star off because I did think that the language used to describe the spice scenes was a bit mechanical, but otherwise, it was good. Another reason I took off a star was the lack of communication between the main characters; many of the problems could have been solved by talking and listening to each other. The main characters would go out of their way to avoid conversation, which irked me. This villain origin story was chilling to read, and I look forward to reading more from Ralynn Kimie.

This wasn't just a book about a villain origin story, or about rape culture, it's also a really good book about generational trauma. It was very intense and upsetting but extremely good story and really well written. Definitely recommend, just be mindful and check the trigger warnings.

This is a wonderful villain story!! The mix of Greek and Hawaiian mythology is really perfection. Triton’s growth and the spiral that becomes Ursula both make so much sense and are so relatable.

Please note that this book is based on siren mythology that comes with a huge trigger for SA. Please read content warnings before reading.

I will say that the first couple chapters were incredibly slow, and I was not sold. There was a lot of exposition that felt like it was being told to me rather than shown through story elements. I’d honestly love to read this again after the first few chapters get edited. However, in the meantime, it is DEFINITELY worth a read. Stick it out because the characters and their stories will grip you.

The premise of this book had me very excited however I feel that I am not the target audience for this book and DNF'd after 30%. I just couldn't get invested in the characters and the story.

I do not understand why we needed to know that the sirens and the dolphins are getting it on? There were so good elements to this story. I enjoyed the writing style. But the "love" between Angela and Triton seemed so superficial. And I did not like how so much of the plot revolves around sexual abuse. I was hoping for a different kind of villain origin story,

This is such an interesting premise! The Hawaiian culture and mythology woven into the story was really cool, and the worldbuilding and siren lore was also really well done. It felt like a proper culture. I really liked the overall message of the story, and the way everything tied together in the end was great. When I first started reading, I thought it was a romance, so there were some tropes that bothered me (love triangles aren’t my thing) but when I realised it’s not a romance at all, I appreciated why some toxic elements were included. While I liked the plot, the writing style felt a bit clunky, and the writer tended to over explain quite a bit.

This book was a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish. Ralynn's storytelling is nothing short of brilliant, seamlessly weaving together mythology and modern elements to create a gripping and tragic villain origin story. The transformation of the characters, particularly the prince and FMC, is captivating to watch unfold. The chemistry between Anela and Triton is electric, drawing the reader into their relationship. The development of both characters as they strive to break free from their siblings' shadows is both relatable and heart-wrenching. Anela's transformation is especially poignant, leaving a lasting impact on the reader. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh take on a classic tale!

Thank you NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Curse of the Nautilus is a dark Hawaiian mythology retelling of the son of Poseidon and the daughter of a Hawaiian goddess. It was a twisting tale and an unexpected read.

Overall, I gave this book a three-star rating because the writing was well done and the story was innovative and unique. It was interesting to delve into a Hawaiian inspired story as someone who is Polynesian-American and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ralynn Kimie, and Steely Co.
Publishing for letting me read and review this ARC!

Poseidon banishes his son Prince Triton from the Atlantic Ocean after events that could start a war of the seas. He surfaces in the Pacific Ocean banished to Hawaii and finds himself under the protection of Hi’iaka and her daughters. Hi’iaka has her watchful eye on Triton and warns of the power of the nautilus, a warning to those of his bloodline. Anela is angered by his appearance while her sister Malia seems pleased. Triton finds himself surrounded by those he hates the most. He is determined to find his trident and return to the sea to protect his sister and will do so by any means. This multi POV story is an unexpected twist on Hawaiian and Greek mythology and is accurately coined as a villain origin story!

I was hard pressed to feel any charm by Triton, he was a well written arrogant male. But as the story evolved my feelings toward him softened a little. His character development could’ve be more, but it was good for the story! Can’t make Triton look too good, he is a siren after all!

Alena is a strong-headed and feisty female who refuses to do anything less than protect her naive sister and nurse her broken heart.

It was enjoyable to read the mixing of Greek and Hawaiian Mythology. It wasn’t a combination I’d expect to work but Ralynn Kimie made it so seamless!

Things I enjoyed very much-
▪️The origin of one of my favorite villains
▪️the writing style
▪️the mixing of Mythology
▪️the way it doesn’t shy away from tough topics
▪️Sebastian- if you know you know.

Things that made my stomach a little queasy-
▪️the shark boys
▪️Poseidon-
(*** I know his mythology well enough to know his grittier sides. He as a whole in this was ick for me. However that is a testament to how well Ralynn wrote his character).

Be advised and take serious the content warning. It is graphic!

Over all I will give it a 3.5/5 stars some parts felt a little harder to get through, but when it picked up it really went fast!

"Every memory, every hurt, every betrayal, the shell’s song echoed my soul."

♡ Dual 1st POV with limited 3rd POV chapters
♡ Villain Origin Story
♡ Hawaiian meets Greek Mythology
♡ POC FMC
♡ Siren MMC
♡ Spicy Scenes
♡ Forced Proximity
♡ Suspenseful Modern Fantasy
♡ Dark Little Mermaid Vibes

Curse of the Nautilus is a suspenseful romantic fantasy with a mix of Hawaiian and Greek mythology. Our FMC Anela, is a sea nymph who is in the process of healing her broken heart from her shark shapeshifter ex boyfriend when her mother, Goddess Hi'iaka finds our MMC, Triton, siren and Prince of the Atlantic Ocean, washed up on their Hawaiian shores.

Oh, Anela. When I finished reading this book, it had me speechless and staring off at a wall. I didn't want it to end! This is a villain origin story, I knew what I was getting myself into, but I couldn't help rooting for Anela. She deserved better! The Little Mermaid was my favorite Disney movie growing up, I knew I would love this book, but wow. This is officially my favorite book.

Open Door Version
Warnings: Book contains sexual assault, r*pe, manipulation, violence, open door sexual themes, and aquatic animal violence.

I found no flaws with Kimie's writing style or this story outline, so due to that i will rate it 4/5 stars. it is quite interesting to me personally, i just wish i was in the mood to read a book like this when i picked it up cause it could easily be a 5/5 star read. Kimie has talent that is undeniable, and her book reads wonderfully, i just found myself wishing to fast forward this book several times. I hope to revisit this book in the future because I think my rate truly is based on me being in a bit of a slump.

Sea Witch Origin Story

I just got back from Hawaii and was craving more. When I stumbled upon this arc I was soooo super excited to see that it was a modernized Hawaiian mythology-inspired fairy tale. This twist was super interesting and I found myself really entangled while reading. The darker vibes this gives off is right up my ally.

There are a few qualms I have however.... The middle of the book lost my interest. We just have like normal life, nothing happening but then something happens and it is just kind of blown off as a shrug?
Idk some parts just felt like, how do I explain this, they build up build up and then the bass doesn't drop is the only way I can describe it.
I also am not really sure how to feel about the "romance" aspect honestly. It's really a love/hate relationship.

After the middle things pick back up and are back on track with the plot, thankfully.
HOWEVER.... Triton's believe in his father really just stunned me. Triton is rebellious, he knows his father is not a good man and yet he just believes him?? oifajsofiajsdofao you've got to be kidding me =.= I was seriously about to make my own fish bone knife.
*Sigh*

Honestly, I still really enjoyed the story and overall direction it was going. So even though I had some issues with it I still really liked it. If I could give half stars this would likely be 3.5 for me but I'll round up.

This is a fascinating villain origin story of Ursela! The book contains a mix of lore from Greek gods, Hawaiian gods, plus some hints at the story of The Little Mermaid, of course. This combination made for a unique fantasy world and interesting lore. The book is mostly set in modern day Hawaii, where Prince Triton of the Atlantic washes up on the shore of Oahu and is found by a Hawaiian goddess. While fantasy and romantasy books are getting more popular, I truly feel like we are missing out on more mermaid/siren stories, so I love that about this book!

This is a dark fantasy book and contains multiple scenes of sexual assault and violence towards animals. Please review other trigger warnings before reading.

Thank you to Steely Co. Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC of this book in exchange for my review.