This fairytale hooked me from page one. I enjoyed the unique characters and world-building as well as the elements of The Little Mermaid and Cinderella.

Luce was strong and brave, longing for a life on the sea. Her relationships with her mother and sisters were complex, at times tinged with jealousy, yet also rooted in affection.

Her longstanding friendship with Samuel was genuine but strained by their separate class status and their growing attraction. Their chemistry was palpable, the romance a delicious slow burn. Morgan was charming with an undercurrent of danger, making it hard to trust his romantic advances and adding intensity.

The plot moved at a great pace through the climax to a wonderful conclusion.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Books for the ARC.

Kell Woods has solidified her place as an autobuy author for me. I loved After the Forest, but Upon a Starlit Tide took it to a whole different level. I was immediately invested in the Little Mermaid Cinderella mashup that it was advertised as, but it is so much more. Perfect blending of the historical and fantasy elements, the right amount of romance and adventure. The tension? The last 15% had me a nervous wreck. Seriously, I will read anything she writes. The only problem I had was that the book ended. It really shouldn’t have done that.

I wasn't really sure what to expect going into this book with the fairy tales influence but i was pleasantly surprised by how much i liked this book. Getting into the review, this book really gets your attention and sucks you in right off the bat which is always a good thing. As you get to know the characters you start to see where the fairy tale influences come in and the intertwining while still allowing this book its own originality is very well done. There was a chapter which took a classic fairy tale scene that we all know and love and essentially re-enacted it and it was so pleasing to read because you knew what the end would be but still enjoyed the journey to get there. The beginning-halfway point of the book had a love triangle occurring and for the first little bit I wasn't too sure who the FMC would choose but it becomes a very easy decision later on in the story. Overall I thought this was a well written book that kept me interested while reading and had a nice ending with all plots wrapped up nicely.

Absolutely loved this one. It took me a minute to get into the groove because it's more exposition-heavy than I've read in a while, but it felt like a fairy tale of old made into something new, and it had me hooked. If this year is the year of the seamaid, I am 100 percent all for it.

My only qualm is that I felt Morgan got off too easy for the absolute evil he put Luce, Samuel, and Bones through, plus his crew from the beginning of the book. He's a piece of shit, and I'm glad he didn't survive the book, but I'm also mad that he didn't, like, lose an eye or something in the process.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor for the preview! All opinions are my own.

OMG THIS WAS AMAZING! PERFECT! I loved every second. I didn't know I needed this exact mix of The Little Mermaid and Cinderella, but I was giddy about it. The characters were compelling, the nods to the fairytales were excellent, and the mix of real history was *chef's kiss.* And the writing was just stunningly beautiful.

I was gripped from the very opening chapter. If I had been able to, I would have binged this book in one sitting. I could not put it down. Luce is just a fantastic lead. She's headstrong, but smart and sweet too. I don't want to spoil any plot points, but her ability to see through another character and not let any unnecessary drama linger had me cheering. I loved her relationships and how they developed and evolved.

The ending had so much action, edge of your seat tension, heartbreak, and heartwarming conclusions. I screamed, I laughed, I sobbed, I raged, and I loved every single second. I had really enjoyed After the Forest, but this book is just transcendent. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!

This is a mixture of The Little Mermaid & Cinderella retelling but done in the best way possible. It takes aspects of both and intertwines them in an interesting way. Every single character is fully developed, even the side characters & all of them are needed to complete this story which is a welcome relief in today’s day & age. I loved the FMC & MMC and the ending was fabuloussss.

The only reason I didn’t give this five stars is because I felt the story was always building to something and then diverting right when it felt like we were going to get to it. I’d highly recommend this to anyone who loves historical romance/fantasy, it’s the best of all worlds.

I had never read this author’s work before but after this one I definitely will be.

Thank you Netgalley & Tor for my advanced eARC :)

Fairytale retellings are something I love in theory, but in practice… they rarely hit the mark. I crave that comforting familiarity, but I also need enough originality to keep me hooked. Upon a Starlit Tide is the first retelling in a while that truly nailed this balance.

A big reason it worked for me? It’s obvious how much time and care Woods poured into research and editing. The result is a beautifully crafted blend of history and fantasy, with a well-paced plot and complex characters.

If you’ve been feeling let down by the romantasy genre lately and don’t mind a lower (but still present!) spice level, I strongly recommend giving this one a shot. It delivers all the romance and magic you want, wrapped in a rich, layered story.

Thank you Kell Woods, Tor Publishing Group, and NetGalley for my advanced review digital copy. My opinions are my own. Get your copy on February 18th, 2025!!

Plot - 5
Writing and Editing - 5
Character Development - 5
Personal Bias - 5
Final Score - 5

#FairytaleRetelling #Romantasy #BookReview #UponAStarlitTide #Bookstagram

As someone who enjoys fairytale re-imaginings, I was not disappointed by Kell Woods’ new spin on Anderson’s classic Little Mermaid. I thought the author did a good job of transporting us to the beautiful French port town of Saint Malo and turned it into the perfect setting for a fairytale mermaid to live in. Francophiles will love the way that French food and fashion was incorporated into the story. And I especially loved slowly discovering the new twists on classic elements of the little mermaid story such as the sea hag and the little mermaid experiencing severe pain when walking on land, they made for the loveliest “Aha!” moments as I read. Similar to Kell’s After the Forest, I enjoyed the ways in which she incorporated local folklore and history into the story thus making it both
more magically and at the same time more real. Finally, trying to avoid spoiling too much, I much preferred the ending of Upon a Starlit Tide to that of the classic or even the Disney version! So be prepared for a nice surprise.

If you enjoy adult fairytales or just stories of the Fae, I would recommend picking up Upon a Starlit Tide!

First and foremost, from the bottom of my heart, I’d like to thank the publishing team at TOR for reaching out to offer me an early copy of this book for review. It’s an honor and a genuine treat!!

And now:

BE STILL MY HEART!! Swoons. Giggling. Stomach-swooping-heart-melting yearning! Reading this made me feel all the things, in all the best most invested ways. I felt like a little kid reading fairytales again- I believe I said something similar when I reviewed ‘After the Forest’ and I can happily say that Kell Woods has nailed that feeling for me once again.

I absolutely ate this up, and I knew I would right from the beginning. The mashup of The Little Mermaid/Cinderella set in an utterly lush 18th Century France is just too delicious to pass on!

There’s a beautiful balance here between the attention to the real life historical setting and the feeling of magic permeating through and surviving in hidden corners of the world. The story absolutely dragged me under and swept me away. It was pulled together so well by beautiful prose and a rich atmosphere.

It’s so surprising when a story can feel familiar and comforting while still being unique. Some of the twists were what I was anticipating… some were not. It made for a wonderful ride. One I sincerely had a hard time putting down!

This will likely be one of my last books for 2024 but what a high note to end on!! I loved this, and I just know that I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next retelling from Kell Woods. Now please!!

This is a 3.5 or 3.75 read, but I just can't round it up because some of my "issues" with it.

My issues are not big ones, in fact I think this book is quite unique in the world of retellings. I just think there was a bit of meandering that could have been cut out, and I almost feel like there were TOO many fairy tales/myths used (cinderella, a little mermaid, bluebeard, selkies, etc) and focusing on one would have made this story shine instead of, at times, feeling a little like it didn't know which way it wanted to go.

But beyond that, Woods created a great world with just enough magic to tickle the senses. Luce is a wonderful character and the journey she takes is quite remarkable. I think, especially for the time in which the story takes place, her longing for something different while also understanding the order of things is a take on this type of FMC that I don't think we see often. It makes her journey of acceptance all the more poignant.

I have always love a good fairy tale retelling and this combo of little mermaid meets Cinderella ticks of all the boxes. The. Story is beautifully written and is one i will be recommending to all those that love new takes on classic fairy tales

I dived into this beautiful magical world of Kell Woods, where magic and dreams become a reality! 🥹 As a little girl I was fascinated with the little mermaid and Cinderella and this read gives you that and much more, with a twist of her own! I was able to smell the sea salt and the splash of waves while reading this tale! It was such a movie in my head! 🐚✨⚓️


This beautifully written tale takes you back to the year 1758 in Saint-Malo, where magical stones, creatures, and mermaids used to Roam. The youngest daughter of Jean-Baptiste one of the wealthiest and most respected ship owners in Saint-Malo, has a love for adventure and longing to sail her very own ship one day. Luce Sneaks out to the beach when she notices a young handsome man floating in the water. Luce rescues this stranger from drowning and her life changes from that point on. 

Rate: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•Magic ✨
•Fae🧚🏼
•Mermaids🧜‍♀️
•Betral🔪
•Friends to lovers♥️
•Lovers to enemies 💔⛓️‍💥
•War🪖

Upon a Starlit Tide is a bit of The Little Mermaid meets Cinderella with a dash of fae and folklore in a historical setting.

I absolutely adored this. I loved the mix of the fantastical with real locations and history and they are blended together effortlessly to create the world of the story. St. Malo, once a stronghold for privateers surrounded by granite walls is the perfect backdrop. The author transports the reader there giving us a real feeling of time and place both grounded in reality and interwoven with the folklore of the story. And it’s not just St. Malo but the familial home, Le Bleau Sauvage, and the churning waters of the Manche.

Another thing I loved was the atmospheric quality of the writing. Whether it was a glittering ball with beautiful gowns and sea glass slippers, the treacherous waves of the Manche, or a moonlit forest with ghostly apparitions, the vibes were on point. Also the food descriptions were ridiculous. Make sure you have macarons on hand while reading this because you will be craving them.

The relationship between the sisters and the feelings of Luce, our protagonist, are complex and conflicted. I really enjoyed the moments touching on their relationship. The tide-crone and role of fae folk and their role in the world and in Luce’s life was also a really interesting aspect. For me this was a kind of perfect fairy tale-esque novel. It walks the balance of dark and fantastical and creates a world that feels real and lived in with great characters and high stakes.

If you love of fairy tales, folklore, and adventure this has it all. This would probably appeal to readers that liked Cinderella is Dead, A Sorceress Comes to Call, or Spinning Silver.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

What an incredible fairytale retelling! Kell Woods effortlessly blends pieces of The Little Mermaid and Cinderella together set in the backdrop of a beautiful French seaside town. Luce, daughter of renowned merchant Jean-Baptiste Leon, has a habit of sneaking off in breeches to go sailing with the locals. No matter what she does, she can't stand being couped up, and always seems to whisk herself away to the sea, and to her friend, Samuel, who only seems to see her as a friend despite her growing feelings for him. After rescuing a handsome man washed ashore after a storm, her live begins to change in ways that will never be undone. The familial elements here, and especially the way in which societal expectations pit women against one another, and the way the sisters act, really made this story come to live. Despite everything, this is a story about the meaning of love, in all its forms. All the interesting world-building and lore around the various fae creatures that inhabit Saint-Malo was simultaneously familiar enough for me to nod at but also re-spun in a new way that kept me engaged. I wasn't expecting to be so taken in by this book so quickly, or to be so satisfied with its ending.

A Cinderella and The Little Mermaid inspired adult fairy tale? Oh yes, please (and it’s sooo much more).

I’ll admit that the cover is what first drew my attention, but the synopsis made me immediately request an early copy, which Tor Books was kind enough to bestow.

There’s magic within these pages and I implore other readers who still (and will always) love fairy tales with strong and capable heroines to grab this one for your bookshelves and find the magic for yourself.

The power of the ocean, the power of magic, the power of love,

I absolutely loved this story ❤️and this is a book that I will get for myself and enjoy again.


“A woman knows her own truth. It’s a gift she is born with that, like so much else, is quickly stolen by the world. By priests with their talk of sin and wickedness and shame, by men who learned long ago how best to use women for their own pleasure and advantage. Instead of speaking from their hearts, their souls, women are told to heed their father, their husband, their God. Instead of choosing their own path, they are told to obey. Even so, their souls always know the truth. Always. Do not be afraid to give yours voice.”


Thank you to Tor Books and NetGalley for the DRC

I really enjoyed this. It reads like a fairytale and the author states it's a bit of a mashup between Cinderella and The Little Mermaid BUT with its own special touch and story! Lots of fun to read. Fantastic set of characters with a plot that will keep you hooked.
I loved the ending!

Thank you Netgalley for the free ARC in return for an honest review.

A cross between the little mermaid and Cinderella, tho stale takes place at Saint-Malo France in the 1700s. Luce lives with her successful and beloved seafaring father, her mom, and two sisters. Luce is down to the sea and yearns to explore. She learns how to sail from a British smuggler and his cousin and dreams of dressing as a man and becoming a sailor.

The book begins with Luce seeing an unconscious man on a shipwreck. She saves his life and becomes fascinated with him after he regains consciousness and kisses her. Her family restores him to health, and learn he is the son of another powerful, noble family. However, something caused the ship to wreck despite the magical storm stone that should have kept the ship safe.

Upon a Starlit Tide (2025) is a mesmerizing historical fantasy/dark fairy tale. In 1700s coastal France the protagonist, Luce, rescues a handsome sailor from certain death in the fickle sea. Confusingly she feels drawn to both him and to her loyal friend Samuel, an English smuggler. But matters of the heart must wait as troubles arise – the fae, and their magic, are disappearing, the English are poised to attack, old lies and deceit are surfacing, and Luce is discovering secrets hidden in the depths of the sea.

I loved the dark, adventurous undertone, the nods to the old fairy tales Cinderella and The Little Mermaid and the lush, lyrical writing of Kell Woods.

The writing in this book has a beautiful voice, with just enough description of the places to build the world around the characters. While it is set up as a fairy tale retelling, it does a good job of balancing the original tales with a new story that fully stands on it's own.

I want to give Upon a Starlit Tide all the stars for its lush, immersive world and irresistible charm! From the moment I saw the stunning cover and read that it’s a mash-up of The Little Mermaid and Cinderella, I was hooked. Fairy tale retellings are my kryptonite, and this one did not disappoint.! The story is set in 18th-century magical France, and brought beautifully to life through Kell Woods' vivid, prose!. Our FMC, Luce, is a dreamer caught between her duty as a loyal daughter in her wealthy merchant family and her yearning for the sea, despite the constant pain in her ruined feet. Her sweetness and strength shine as she navigates complex family dynamics (can we have more sweet protagonists in fiction, please??) and an impossible dream: to captain her own ship. Add in a compelling love triangle (and I say that as someone who generally doesn't like them!)—between Morgan, the shipmaster’s son she rescues, and Samuel, her smuggler friend. Woods masterfully delivers a richly satisfying ending, making this, in my opinion, a MUST-read for fans of fairy tale retellings and magical historical fiction!

4.75 stars!