Our Vengeful Souls by Kristi McManus is a gripping retelling of The Little Mermaid, infused with elements of fantasy and vengeance. The story follows Sienna, the most powerful mermaid the Royals have ever seen. Sienna's journey is one of betrayal, transformation, and an unyielding quest for revenge.

Sienna's life takes a drastic turn after rescuing her sister, bringing her to the forefront of her father's, a god, thoughts. This sparks a jealous rage in her brother, who tricks her into a confrontation at the edge of their kingdom. In this brutal encounter, he uses poison to turn her into a human, stripping her of her voice and her mermaid identity. The horror of watching her tail transform into legs marks the beginning of her human trials.

As Sienna navigates her new life in Atlantis, she discovers that much of what she was told about the world above was a lie. Far from being a desolate, war-torn land, Atlantis is vibrant and full of life. Determined to reverse the curse and reclaim her former self, she immerses herself in the city's hidden library, seeking a cure for the poison.

Sienna's warrior instincts soon come to the forefront. After rescuing a young girl from an attacker, she is invited to join the elite guard of Atlantis. This is a significant moment for Sienna, as it challenges gender norms and allows her to train and fight alongside other women, rekindling her warrior spirit.

Suzanne Elise Freeman's narration brings the story to life, making it easy to follow the dialogue and emotional nuances. Her performance adds depth to the story, capturing the essence of Sienna's transformation and her struggle for vengeance. Our Vengeful Souls is fast-paced and engaging, with a narrative that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.

While the story follows a similar trajectory to The Little Mermaid, it stands out with its unique twists and deeper exploration of themes like betrayal, vengeance, and identity. These unexpected elements will keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover what happens next.

Overall, Our Vengeful Souls is a captivating read for fans of fantasy and retellings. The audiobook enhances the experience with its superb narration, making it a must-listen for anyone who enjoys a well-told story. Once you start, you won't be able to put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley and CamCat Books for the Audio-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I eagerly anticipate future works from Kristi McManus and Suzanne Elise Freeman, and I'm sure they will continue to deliver captivating stories.

“We value knowledge above all else. And even though we fear the possibility of magic and the destruction it could bring, we refuse to hide in ignorance by destroying what could be our salvation.


I listened to the audio version of Our Vengeful Souls.
My first reason to pick the book –with the blurb, of course– was the narrator’s voice and rhythm. I absolutely adored her performance and it was a great addition to the story.
I loved Sereia’s character. She is a very empowered young woman, determined to make her own place into her mermaid’s world, but the (mer)men in her life –brother and father– aren’t decided to let her. This results in her brother Triton cursing her, forcing her to live among humans, her return to the ocean impossible –unless she breaks the malediction. On Atlantis, she learns how to mix, and makes connections, realizing that maybe all she had been taught under the sea wasn’t true. I liked that part because if many fantastic novels deal with humans’ prejudices regarding the supernatural, not many do the opposite. This book perfectly weaves mythology and a villain's origin story from a tale. But between the lines, it discusses the power of myths, women’s status and how men finally can always keep the upper-hand. That book was sometimes difficult, because a lot of sh** happens to Sereia. She doesn’t always help her cause because she doesn’t make good choices all the time (which makes her human… or at least relatable), and ends with her fate. I loved that balance in the character, how events are ruthless to her, but how she also makes things worse, especially because of her pride. Even if I couldn’t read such a story every day, I truly enjoyed that ride.

Thank you NetGalley, Kristi McManus and CamCat Books for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

My hooo my.....
Where do I start!!!!

Well, first a BIG thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher and the Author!!!

I was HOOKED from the start.
And although you know how it is going to end, you hope for a different outcome.
I do feel like the Epilogue of the book leans more to the Hans Christian Andersen ending instead of the "Happily ever after" Disney gave us....
Which is great. Because Sereia deserves it!
Girl deserves the world, if you ask me!

This book is great if you like a prequel to an story everyone knows. We have betrayal, royal intrigue, true love and heartbreak, sibling rivalry pushed to the extreme, mermaids and ultimate destruction.

I loved it and could not put it down!

I "read" the audio version of this book as an advanced release from Netgalley. Overall: It was a good fairytale story from the villain point of view. The character building was pretty good - there were parts of the story that her villain side was portrayed clearly and parts where you actually wanted her to be a the hero of the tale. It has a lot of tie ins to classic stories such as the lost city of Atlantis and the Little Mermaid that I was not expecting. These were very nice surprises in the book. I did feel that some of it may have had a lack of detail such as some of the more important battles that took place - and some the "reading in the library" was a bit redundant. The love story could have been developed more to really pull on your heart strings - but then again I'm used to romantic fantasies.

I think this book would be excellent for any teen reader interested in a retelling of an age old fairytale. I liked the narrator and thought the audio version was way to listen to at 1.25 speed.

I really enjoyed this story. I am always up for a Sea Witch origin book. This one also explains Atlantis and its loss. The character is complex and complicated. But she is a warrior through and through. The end doesn't go into her transformation as much as I would have liked. But that epilogue is epic. The narrator is perfect.

Have you ever wondered the suffering that Ursula (the villain in ‘The Little Mermaid’) endured in order to pursue the revenge that she did? Well, ‘Our Vengeful Souls’ by Kristi McManus provides us a view into that heart wrenching tale. McManus explorers themes of: betrayal as well as jealousy, perseverance, power and selfishness; among many others though my personal favourite is, rebirth. ‘Our vengeful souls’ follows the journey of Seriea, a daughter of Poseidon, as a dreadful shadow of her brothers jealousy is cast upon her. At Tritons envy of Seriea consumes him he curses her changing the young mermaids life forever. Then as soon as Sereia is finally getting accustomed to her new life another person in her life betrays her, after she was yet again tricked. After these experiences she grieves expansive losses, and becomes a new woman. A woman out for vengeance.
Despite the tragic ending, I think it was perfect for the story. It made sense and I could picture that being exactly how things would go.
McManus did an incredible job at creating this novel. Her writing style intertwines greatly with the story and immense care and details were placed into the characters and plot. Not only does McManus provide characters with realistic traits that we can both love and hate and also emphasizes certain flaws, but she carefully foreshadows events in spectacular ways.
This novel is a great read for any fairytale lovers out there, especially if they’re one who enjoys thinking about the villains point of view. I also believe this book is perfect for a wide range of ages. It’s mature enough that adults can thoroughly enjoy it though censored and innocent enough that young adults can enjoy this story as well. It is definitely a book I would recommend to many people as well as read again.
Lastly I want to say thank you to NetGalley for granting me the chance to read this book, I most likely would not have discovered it otherwise and truly appreciate all the opportunities the site provides when it comes to immersing myself into the world of books.

**𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘** 𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝑽𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑲𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊 𝑴𝒄𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒔

Release Date: June 6, 2023

4.5⭐️2🌶

This Little Mermaid retelling swept me away! I always love reading new magical worlds and destinations and this book did not disappoint. Sereia is a young Princess who's older brother, Titen, is heir to her fathers throne. However, she has more magical power and frequently bests him during training.

When their younger sister is in danger, Titen is unable to save her and Sereia steps up and saves her easily. Their father begins to see her as an asset. Whereas before, he only saw her as a tool to help train Titen.

Titen is overcome with jelously, and does is best to get rid of his sister.

A big thank you to @netgalley for approving me for this ARC!

Actual Rating: 3.5 stars rounded down

I enjoyed this fairytale reimagining of the Little Mermaid, but more of a prequel telling the origin story of Ursula.

The main character Sereia is part of a sibling rivalry with her brother Triton, with both of them wanting to be their father's heir, first in line to rule the seas. But Triton curses Sereia to be a human, destined to turn into a monster if she ever touches sea water again. Sereia then ends up in the human islands of Atlantis, living with a herb-seller and healer, trying to figure out how to reverse the curse.

While I enjoyed the story though, I couldn't wrap my head around some, to me, glaring plot holes.

Triton and Sereia's father is Poseidon, an immortal. Why on earth would an immortal ever have need of an heir? And based on that, why would Sereia and Triton ever have need of such an intense rivalry for the position? I just don't get it, and it's such a major part of the plotline.

I also found one annoyance with the under-the-sea portions of the story. They seem to have way too much standard gravity down there, and they seem way too anchored to the ocean floor when they're mermaids who can go anywhere. Especially in the training / fight scenes, they constantly refer to being 'knocked to the floor' or similar statements, and it seems to be a strange phrase when they are beings who literally swim and float, not stand or walk.

But once I overlook those things, I definitely enjoyed the story. The audiobook was well-narrated, and I liked the descriptions of the islands of Atlantis.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of the audiobook!

This was really good!
I listened to the audiobook, and I liked the narration done by Suzanne Elise Freeman.

It didn't hit me that I was listening to a villain origin story until I was about a quarter into it. The storytelling is very compelling in the way that the author has taken elements from Greek mythology and the Andersen fairytale and created a whole new, original story.
Without spoiling too much, I can say that after hearing this, it is hard not to root for the villain. Sereia is an interesting character, and despite knowing where the story would most possibly end, I was still rooting for her happily ever after.
The ending left me feeling so incredibly sad for her, and I wished that she could've let the need for revenge go. While I wasn't too pleased with the way things ended, I do think that it was an exciting tale from beginning to end!

Overall rating: 4.5 stars

Great origin story!! Really liked the way the story was set up. Really enjoyed reading these characters and how they interacted with each other. Definitely loved seeing a strong main character and reading her story.

I enjoyed the aspect of myth and fairytale in this story and the way they were woven together. The romance was cute too, I appreciated that it wasn't a case of insta love. My last favourable point is the fact that this is a villain origin story, yes please more of these, even if they're heartbreaking.

On the flip side I didn't much care for the plot, it never took me by surprise but rather followed a very clear path laid out from the first. I also found most of the characters annoying, especially when they made pivotal choices that went against earlier behaviours, it felt too convenient and like the story was more about pace then about 3-d characters, which isn't always a bad thing but here it felt rushed and confusing.

I think over all there's the bones of something great here but it felt like it needed to be fleshed out a bit more. It was a good listen but I wouldn't read it again or recommend it.

I enjoyed the narration though, that was a definite positive.

A little repetitive in places with the language used and construction but I’m sure this will be enjoyed by many. A good retelling and you do root for good over evil even when you realise the good character is lost…

Thank you to Netgalley the Publisher, of CamCat Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks, and the author Kristi McManus for providing and allowing me to review this book. Which, I'm giving my honest and sincere review.

"Our Vengeful Souls" by Kristi McManus, Narrated by Suzanne Elise Freeman
Suzanne Elise Freeman delivers an exceptional performance in the audiobook adaptation of Kristi McManus's "Our Vengeful Souls." Freeman’s narration is both engaging and emotionally resonant, bringing depth and vibrancy to each character and immersing the listener in the richly detailed world McManus has created. Her voice captures the essence of Sereia's journey, making it an enthralling experience from start to finish.


Plot Summary

Sereia, a magical mermaid, saves her younger sister and inadvertently threatens her brother Triton's claim to the throne. In retaliation, Triton curses Sereia, transforming her into a human and banishing her from their underwater kingdom with a dire warning: if she ever returns, she will become a monster. Left for dead, Sereia washes up on the shores of Atlantis, where she is discovered by a kind merchant with a tragic past.
As Sereia adjusts to life on land, she learns that much of what she was taught about humans may be wrong. Despite needing to keep her true identity a secret, Sereia finds herself drawn to her savior, and her feelings for him deepen. Determined to make a life for herself, Sereia channels her skills into joining the Atlantean army, aspiring to become the respected warrior she always desired to be. During her training, she discovers the existence of a powerful trident, rivaling her father's, hidden within Atlantis. This revelation presents Sereia with a potential path back to the sea and her magic.
However, Sereia is torn between the pull of revenge and the possibility of a new life on land, especially under the watchful eye of a vengeful enemy within her ranks. Ultimately, when a friend’s fate hangs in the balance, she faces an agonizing decision: risk being burned at the stake as a witch or transform into a monster by returning to the sea.


Opinion

Listening to "Our Vengeful Souls" was an incredibly captivating experience. The plot is richly layered with themes of loss, love, and vengeance, reminiscent of classic tales like "The Little Mermaid" and mythological adventures like "Lore." McManus crafts a compelling narrative with complex characters, and Sereia's internal struggles add significant depth to the story. Freeman's masterful narration enhances this, making each twist and turn even more engaging.


Perfect for Summer Listening

This audiobook is particularly fitting for summer, with its enchanting underwater settings and adventurous storyline evoking a sense of wonder and escape. The vivid descriptions of oceanic and Atlantean landscapes provide a perfect backdrop for beachside or poolside listening. Whether you’re lounging in the sun or enjoying a quiet evening, "Our Vengeful Souls" offers an ideal summer escape.
In summary, Kristi McManus's "Our Vengeful Souls" is a must-listen for fans of fairy tale retellings and epic fantasies. Suzanne Elise Freeman’s exceptional narration makes this audiobook a truly enjoyable experience, capturing the imagination and making it hard to pause.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book full of mythical stories many of us may or may not be aware of, Atlas & Posiedeon brought to life through Sereia, Callum, friends, and enemies along the way.

When Sereia is cursed as a mermaid by her brother Triton, if she ever returned to sea, she would be a monster she is therefore cursed when Callum finds her as a human on the beach. As a healer, he heals her, helps her, and yes he falls in love as does she. Sereia goes to the library as much as possible, researching trying to discover how to get back to her home in the sea in such a way that can break the curse and avenge her brother.

Within her time in Atlantis, where Callum originally finds her, she goes on to become part of the Atlantean army, much to his distress. This brings its own twists and turns for both characters.

While conducting her research out taking in the views Callum takes her to the fountain where she sees the Trident and discovers the truth of her family history of Atlas and Posideon all of which had been hidden from her by her father.

The story is full of love, friendships, learning, companionship, legends, a time where the unknown are still thought of as wrong, magic was deemed as witchcraft and deemed that the only answer is for them to be burned at a stake.

As she says towards the end to her brother Triton for he is the cause of the death of so much of her grief, pain, and sorrow mainly for the loss of her true love Callum

"You believe you have won and maybe for a time you have for now but I will never forget and I will never forgive, one day perhaps centuries from now I will bring you to your knees, and as your world crumbles and burns I will rise like a pheonix from your ashes"

This part in particular just really hit my heart as much as when Sereia and Callum were at the fountain and she discovered the real truth her father had been hiding from her also hit deeply as pivotal in this tale of origin.

I know many have compared this book to the little mermaid which of course there is a connection however for me there is so much more to this book a deeper message of a history of God's of the seas which I personally feel the little mermaid also connected with. All interlinked possibly, is it too much of a stretch to believe in the mythical that we learn only from books in this day and time we live in? Or is it possible authors write from the soul where somewhere is a remembrance of something that has gone before?!?!?!?

Thank you to Netgalley and CamCat Books for this listen now copy of this audiobook.

This was enjoyable and I loved it as a audiobook. The narrator did a great job with acting the different characters.
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Possible spoiler:
I always love retellings and this story was an origin story of the Little Mermaid focusing on Ursula.
It took me a little bit to realize it was an origin story but I liked that I didn’t know going into it.
I felt for Sereia and I was rooting for her! I also liked the Atlantis setting.
A couple of things I didn’t enjoy were some parts felt drawn out and I didn’t like how some things didn’t get resolved, but overall I enjoyed this and I would recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, CamCat Books and the author for the audiobook.

Sereia is a mermaid with extraordinary magical powers. Powers that surpass her brother’s, Triton. He is in the hopes to rule the kingdom when their father’s trident is passed down to him. But when Sereia’s younger sister is captured by humans it is up to her to destroy them with all that she has. This incident will forever change her fate. When Triton is outmatched by Sereia he curses her to live life as a human hoping she will never return.
Washing up on the shore of Atlantis, Sereia finds she must adapt to her new life and new found legs. She must find a way back home to exact her revenge. Can she find the twin to her father’s trident and undo her curse? Or will she find love that will make her forget about all who have wronged her?
Overall rating 3 /5
I liked the prequel feeling of this book to the Little Mermaid, and to add the conspiracy of Atlantis. I love a story about a strong willed woman character, and especially if they get their revenge. I do feel like the story lagged a bit in some spots and could have been supplemented with a little more of a slow burn romance. I would also not classify this as a Children’s book, which I thought this was, but more of a YA.

*Thank you to Kristi McManus, Netgalley and CamCat Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for the audio book copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

This was a fun read. A great great story of how Atlantis became, how the little mermaid started. I really enjoyed. The narrator was great also.

Thank you so much for letting listen to this audiobook. Ariel inspired stories are usually a hit or miss for me. And this one was definitely a hit.

I never write reviews with spoilers, and I’m not 100% sure that this IS a spoiler, but the fact I’m about to share wasn’t explicitly stated in the book blurb (although it was hinted at). So this is your warning to stop reading if you don’t want to know a piece of information about this book that I wish I had known before I started.
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This is an origin story for the infamous villain Ursula (the big baddie in The Little Mermaid). The only description I was given from NetGalley was “A cursed mermaid seeks revenge against the brother who betrayed her while fighting to protect her secrets and her life in the realm of Atlantis.”

That description didn’t scream “origin story” to me. If I had read the Goodreads blurb, the line “into the life of one of fairy tales most famous villains” would have tipped me off, plus the title is close to “Poor Unfortunate Souls” which is, of course, Ursula’s song.

The reason I wanted to state this is because if I had known this was an origin story from the beginning, I think it would have been a 5 star read for me. I was considering it a five star read up until the last few chapters, and then everything fell apart and I was just SHOCKED at the things that were happening to Sereia. I knew there wasn’t enough time for everything to be resolved before the end of the story, and guys, my heart HURT.

I know what you’re thinking… Don’t you like to be shocked by books, Meredith? Isn’t that literally what you say you want out of a novel? Well, yes… but not in this case. Origin stories are one of my favorite types of stories to read because I love watching a hero become a villain… but I guess I needed to know what I was getting into before I started because I wasn’t prepared for that heartbreak.

Anyway, this was a great read and I highly recommend it, but I know I would have loved it more if I’d realized whose story I was reading from the beginning.

Thank you to CamCat Books for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book and it is beautifully-written. I really like that Sirea focuses on her strength and her ingenuity and that she’s really powerful. And it’s a good story. It was a bit militaristic and violent for my taste, and I didn’t enjoy the descriptions of the fight scenes, but to each their own.

My only complaint is that there were some points at which that beautiful writing felt repetitive and/or just dragged down the pacing of the novel. I felt like we got too lost in description. I was “reading” it as an audiobook, but if I were reading it on the page, I would have skipped a lot that just felt unnecessary. Again, beautifully written, but just not necessary.

Specific to the audiobook, I wasn’t a huge fan of the way that the narrator did the voices. Sirea and her mom sound “normal” and everyone else sounds a bit cartoony. Like, the voice for the “baby sister” was a little annoying, but made sense for a 10-year-old….but then it was also basically the same voice for Kona, who is supposed to be the same age as Sirea. And all the male characters sounded really cocky and yet also spoke really slowly? I was just not really a fan of how it was narrated when it came to the dialogue.