What a great debut novel! I can't wait to read the next book!

I really like that it's a retelling of The Little Mermaid. I loved the familiarity of a story I already love but with new, exciting twists that I did NOT see coming.

The world-building was fantastic! I appreciated the bits of the sirens' mythology she gave us; it's enough to understand what was going on in the story but not too much to feel overwhelmed with the information.

The writing is great. Except for a few odd sentences and some awkward dialogue, it kept me reading and wanting more!

Some parts were confusing, especially concerning Raiden. But I decided to just go with it, and it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book at all.

I also really cannot get over the cover art.

A Little Mermaid retelling? SAY NO MORE!! Sirens are currently popular right now amongst us readers and I ate this one up.

This emotionally wrecked me. I loved it so much. I can't wait for more!

I’m the first to admit I’m not typically a romantasy/fantasy girly but this really hit the spot! Kelsea writing was superb and I loved the depth the characters and plot had. I’ve been a long time fan of Kelsey as a YouTuber so it’s so exciting to see this nee side of her and I hope we get to keep seeing it!

A big thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Is this the start of my mermaid phase? Yes. The answer is absolutely yes.

The Voice of the Ocean by Kelsey Impicciche is a young adult fantasy novel that is described as The Little Mermaid meets Pirates of the Carribean. As the youngest daughter of the Siren queen, Celeste's life is tightly controlled. Desperate to prove her worth, she intends to join the Chorus - an elite group of siren warriors. With her final test on the horizon, Celeste must finally gain control over her temperamental Song. But when Celeste encounters a seemingly harmless ship, helmed by the intriguing Prince Raiden Sharp, her path veers towards forbidden waters. Believing the handsome sailor to be innocent of any wrongdoing, Celeste defies Siren law to save Raiden's life - despite knowing he is the son of a king who has murdered many of her kindred. The penalty for Celeste's betrayal should be death, but the queen offers her an right her wrong by assassinating the prince. Determined to first discover the truth behind the prince's clandestine mission, Celeste agrees to become human. The human world is nothing like she expected, nor is the prince the charming and noble man she assumed him to be. But as Celeste finds her place aboard the ship, friendships - and attraction - begin to grow. Will Celeste be able to save herself? Or will her choices unravel a kingdom, devastating sirens and humans alike?

First and foremost, I'm not the biggest fan of mermaid stories since reading Lost Voices by Sarah Porter in my youth. And I blame on the simple fact that I was way too young for the content of that book, and hand only picked it up because I saw a mermaid on the cover. But this one, Voice of the Ocean, is warming me back up to the genre.

What I liked best about Voice of the Ocean is the characterization we get. Celeste is nothing like the counterpart of Ariel, in that she is not naive. But still holds the characteristics of being curious and ambitious. And we can't exactly forget about Raiden, and how can I forget about Raiden. He is just *chef's kiss* of a love interest.

My only qualm with this book, is the sheer audacity it has being only one book. Come on, Impicciche, I demand more Celeste and Raiden!

Otherwise, I recommend this book, and not Porter's for anyone looking for an adorable mermaid read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for the eARC in exchange for the honest review!

2.75 stars

This is a Little Mermaid retelling that adds the fun and excitement of swashbucking pirates. I love mermaids and have always felt like there's not enough books about mermaids, so I was glad to see this!

The world building was very immersive and in-depth and you can tell the author spent a lot of time on it, which was great. The plot was fun and twisty with an ending that does a great job of leading up to a sequel. The found family was heartwarming and the side characters added a fun dynamic. And this was a great twist on the Little Mermaid story that really branched off into its own unique story.

The writing style wasn't my favorite. But my biggest qualm was the pacing which was just all over the place. The beginning was very slow and heavy on the world building with very little actually happening. It took too long for Celeste to finally get on the ship. And then we spent way too long on the ship bonding with the crew and getting into pirate shenanigans that didn't contribute directly to the main plotline. My biggest issue with these parts was that there was so much detail and explanation about every little thing that it took so long to get through and had me skimming fairly often. The most interesting and exciting parts of the book didn't start until ~80% in. And then we were moving so fast and did not get any time to spend in these really awesome, exciting scenes in new fantastical settings. I really felt like if we'd gotten less unnecessary details in the beginning and middle, we could've spent a lot more time in the end and I think it could've had a much bigger impact. I also wish we learned more about the Voice of the Ocean sooner and that it had been foreshadowed a lot better than it coming up just at the end, especially since it is such a big part of the plot overall. It also bothered me that there were no big time jumps and it seemed like we were on the ship for a few weeks, but then at the end they insist its been several months.

And even though we spend so much time focusing on the characters, I still found them not to be fully fleshed out and a little flat, especially the side characters, who felt one-dimensional. Raiden and Celeste are more developed, but still not enough to make me emotionally connect with them as much as I wanted. Raiden wasn't a very appealing love interest to me and I thought their chemistry and relationship felt forced. And Celeste was a great, interesting main character who is softer and emotional, which I loved because we never really get to see that. I loved that crying such a big part of her character (as I also cry over everything lol), but I felt like we were getting knocked over the head with this conflict over and over again. It got to the point that it started to get annoying and I lost interest in it. Her emotionality was brought up in almost every single scene and everytime it was the same things were said and it felt repetitive and unnecessary and detracted from the overall emotional impact of the character development throughout the book.

I thought the plot was fun and interesting and I still might read the sequel.

The ENDING?! I need more, now! I went into this fully expecting it to be a standalone- and now will waited with bated breath for the sequel to be announced.

Voice of The Ocean is a Little Mermaid retelling, but with a twist. I could see bits and pieces of the Disney movie and the original fairy tale woven into the original world the author created. It all fit together beautifully. Raiden as a character infuriated me quite a lot- while I understand his circumstances, he’s in timeout until further notice.

Celeste is the spare daughter of the king and queen of Staria. A spare. With one older sister holding the position of heir, and the other fulfilling a political marriage, there’s nothing for her to do, except maybe join the Chorus. An elite group of sirens, the Chorus is tasked with patrolling the kingdom’s borders and sinking human ships that dare get too close.

But Celeste doesn’t quite agree with drowning humans. Fascinated with them, she can’t help but to watch them when she can sneak away, and when she makes the decision to save a prince’s life, she breaks the code the sirens live by. Her only choice to avoid banishment or execution? Kill the prince.

Making a deal with the sea witch Nerissa for legs, Celeste prepares to journey onto land to complete her task, but the last thing she expects is to get tangled up in a quest for treasure in the process. Forced to grapple with her emotions, can she complete her task and return home? Or is she truly too human to belong in the siren world?

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for this review! Voice of The Ocean Publishes on April 22!

Review will be up on socials later this week and is up on Goodreads and fable now!

WOW...
Outstanding debut overall. Just when I thought this was going to be one story...it WASN'T.
This is exactly why I like reading multiple retellings of one story. I imagined this was going to be like To Kill a Kingdom, but it ended up taking a much more different direction. I enjoyed the tension with Celeste and Raiden, the found family dynamic between Celeste and the other pirate crew, and the further legend and lore about the sirens and the goddesses in the story and Celeste's family lineage. Incredible world-building, and very thoughtfully done. The fight-scenes and action I could really visualize in my head, and some scenes with Celeste and Raiden were so adorable.
Honestly, as I got through to the end, I had a feeling this was not going to be a standalone. I'm very eager to read the next book in the series, and can't wait to see how this pans out.
Outstanding job! Much more original than I thought it would be.
Thank you Netgalley and Kelsey Impicciche for a copy of this ARC.

I really enjoyed this book!! The characters are so well developed, I felt like I was right there in the story. I thought the beginning could have had some more character development. I felt like the transition to the ship and what it was supposed to mean was a little quick, but that's just personal preference. Can’t wait to see what all the author writes !!!

Rating: ⭐⭐✨ (2.5/5 stars)

I was immediately drawn to Voice of the Ocean because of its promise of a fresh and unique re-telling. The premise sounded enchanting—blending classic fairy tale elements with a new voice and perspective. However, despite my initial excitement, I, unfortunately, struggled to connect with this story.

The worldbuilding had potential, and I appreciated the effort put into reimagining familiar themes. However, I found the pacing uneven, making it difficult to stay engaged. The characters, while interesting in concept, felt underdeveloped, and I had a hard time emotionally investing in their journey. I kept hoping for a deeper connection to the protagonist and their motivations, but something was missing for me.

The writing itself was fine, but it didn’t quite capture the magic I was expecting from a retelling of this nature. Some moments felt rushed, while others dragged

Voice of the Ocean by Kelsey Impicciche
Rating: 3 stars
**DNF this at 35%

voice of the ocean is essentially a little mermaid retelling with some unique twists that vary it from the original disney film. If you enjoy sirens and treasure hunting this will be right up your alley!

this follows our mfc celeste as she navigates her curiosity with the human world and is tasked with killing a prince from the human kingdom. she becomes a human herself to aid in her mission but does not plan for the attraction/feelings that start to develop for the human prince raiden.

the reason i chose to DNF this book was only because i found it hard for me to really get into the story. even though there are so many unique things about this book, i had a hard time separating it from the original little mermaid story due to all the similarities. i found the book to be pretty predictable in the first third and i was struggling to stay invested in the story. i also felt like the book was for someone younger than me (i am almost 33).

i think that the writing in excellent and kelsey has a great storytelling ability. i think that they elements she added really made this story her own. i would definitely still recommend for anyone who is interested in YA fantasy to give this a try! we do not see enough stories about sirens!

thank you to netgalley and kelsey impicciche for the opportunity read this arc for my honest review!

Voice of the Ocean is a Little Mermaid retelling with a pirate twist, and it absolutely delivers. In this story, Celeste, our little mermaid, unknowingly joins a pirate crew after being tasked with killing Prince Raiden Sharp. To prove to her people that she belongs—despite being considered too human—she must complete this mission. But as she spends time with the pirates, her journey takes unexpected turns, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew.

This is Kelsey Impicciche’s debut novel, but you would never guess that from reading it. Her writing is phenomenal, drawing you in from the very first pages. The story is compelling, and once you start, it’s hard to put it down because you just need to know what happens next. The beginning of the book is a bit slow, but as you delve deeper, you encounter more action, and the pacing picks up significantly. Celeste’s adventure with the pirate crew is full of action, surprises, and great character interactions that make you feel like you’re right there with them.

As a huge fan of Little Mermaid retellings, I thought this one was pretty awesome. The pirate twist was fun, but what really stood out to me was Celeste’s growth throughout the story. When I think back to the original movie (which is usually the version people reference), there wasn’t much of a lesson—everyone just got their happy ending. But in Voice of the Ocean, Celeste learns and changes along the way, making her a much more compelling main character. Watching her journey unfold was so satisfying.

Overall, Voice of the Ocean is an exciting and fresh take on a beloved story. The shocking ending will leave you asking for a second book. If you love mermaids, pirates, and strong character development, this book is definitely worth reading!

⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3/5

“The human prince and the siren princess. Their war was as old as time and written in the stars above them.”

The Voice of the Ocean follows Celeste, a siren princess, as she seeks to redeem herself from exile. Unfortunately, that means eliminating the human prince she saved - the cause of her exile - Raiden Sharp.

The Voice of the Ocean is a combined retelling of The Little Mermaid and Pirates of the Caribbean. Influence from The Little Mermaid was obvious - a siren princess, forbidden curiosity about humans, a sea witch, gaining legs, a dashing human prince. However, Kelsey Impicciche put a twist on aspects of this story that made it her own.

I thought the story was well-paced for the most part and that the plot line was interesting. There’s an obvious chemistry between Celeste and Raiden throughout the entirety of the book, although it remains PG. I enjoyed the side characters and the way Celeste’s relationships with them unfolded. Even without talking, Celeste was able to create meaningful relationships. Celeste’s empathy for humans despite belonging to a less than empathetic species was one of my favorite aspects of this story. It’s viewed by the sirens as a weakness and as something to exploit by the humans, but it’s ultimately the source of Celeste’s power. As an emotional girlie, this message was meaningful and empowering!

While I enjoyed the story overall, I would have liked more detail about the history that drives the plot line. As the book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, I expect a second book will dive into this a little more. This was a good debut novel and I look forward to reading more about Celeste and Raiden.

If you like sirens, pirates, treasure hunts, and star-crossed lovers - this book is for you!

(Thank you Net Galley, Blackstone, & Kelsey Impicciche for this opportunity!)

Celeste saves Raiden, Admiral (cutie golden retriever), and Bastian from drowning. As a result, her fellow siren marks her as a traitor. Not even being a princess could save her from banishment, so her mother, the Queen, struck a deal. Kill the prince of the human realm.


So far, it started off slow, but once Raiden and Celeste meet, it gets interesting. Raiden is gathering a crew for a treasure hunt and Celeste is mistaken as a Wayfinder. She decides not to speak to conceal her identity.

It’s a little mermaid retelling, and chapter 1 seems interesting. Not to mention the cover is gorgeous. More thoughts to follow.

Kelsey Impicciche has been one of my favorite content creators for a few years now and when she announced that she releasing a book, I was so excited. This was such an amazing Little Mermaid retelling. Kelsey Impicciche did an amazing job creating the characters. I resonated a lot with the main character, Celeste. celeste can be seen as way too emotional and se feels as though she doesn't really fit in anywhere. I can relate to her so much. This was such a beautiful book and Kelsey did an amazing job portraying her characters and setting the scene. It felt as though I was I was actually in the book, living through the eyes of Celeste.

3 Stars – A Fun, Lighthearted Siren Tale with Classic Tropes

Voice of the Ocean is an enjoyable YA fantasy that delivers everything you’d expect from a siren-meets-human romance. Celeste, a rebellious siren princess eager to carve her own path, crosses paths with the daring Prince Raiden, and their connection sets off a whirlwind of forbidden magic, ancient secrets, and high-seas adventure.

The world-building is intriguing, with an emphasis on siren mythology and magic, though at times, it felt like it could have been expanded upon. Celeste’s struggle to control her Song added an interesting layer to her character, and her dynamic with Raiden had its sweet moments, though their romance leaned a bit into insta-love territory.

While it doesn’t break new ground in the fantasy-romance genre, Voice of the Ocean is a fun, easy read with classic mermaid lore and a determined heroine at its core. Perfect for fans of To Kill a Kingdom and The Little Mermaid retellings!

I wasn’t fond of the pacing of this book. The first third dragged, then it seemed to rush through significant scenes (for me, it was this book's equivalent of Ariel meeting the sea witch, and I also felt a bit unclear on what their deal was), then the climax of the book felt like it was squeezed into a handful of chapters.

5⭐️

**Thank you Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC**

Voice of the Ocean is a Little Mermaid retelling about Celeste, a young siren. She longs to be part of an elite fighting team, The Chorus, but finds trouble when she defends a ship of humans. She must go on a mission to redeem herself and kill the captain of the ship, Raiden Sharp. What she doesn’t know, is she may have more in common with the humans than she thought.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I’ve been a long time fan of Kelsey and was ecstatic to be able to be given the opportunity to read this story early. It’s a beautiful retelling that is not merely a copy paste. She has created a vivid and beautiful world with complex characters. You can see the basic similarities of things such as the evil sea witch, but there is so much that is new and interesting! And buckle up for the last few chapters because there are more twists and turns than you can imagine. I cannot wait for the second book!

When I heard pirates of the Caribbean x the little mermaid I was so excited! I enjoyed this read (even if I was let down to find it was only the first in a series!!) but I thought Celeste was a great narrator. The pacing felt a bit rushed at the end of the book but overall I enjoyed reading.

Thank you Net Galley, Kelsey Impicciche and Blackstone Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Voice of the Ocean was everything I thought it would be!

If you are a fan of:

• Siren and human
• relatable MC’s
• Slow burn
• Found family
• betrayal
• Pirates
• Touch her and you’re die
• Twist after twist

Then this is for you!

I love the FMC (Celeste). She was extremely relatable in the way that her inner voice relays the things that she has heard her whole life. The way that she not only has to deal with external factors of the book's plot but the internal battle with her own self worth was very inspiring! I loved seeing her find her strength in this book and am looking forward to where her journey takes her in the next one!

Raiden the (MMC). Is a very flawed character with a lot of layers that haven't even begun to unfold. I have loved the pieces we have already seen and the growth to his character as well!

The side characters are all likeable and fun! They create an easy bond with one another that helps but MCs with the internal struggles they are facing. I loved seeing how fiercely protective they are of one another!

Admiral by far was a happy point in the book! Who does love a happy dog that brings people together!

"To the girls who are told they cry too much, and to my dear friend who helped teach me it's okay."

I knew from the dedication this was going to appeal to me. Voice of the Ocean is a YA Little Mermaid retelling with sirens and pirates, gripping adventure and found family, love and betrayal. This book has my heart. Big emotions are so hard sometimes and this book captured that perfectly. The writing is very immersive, and made this a captivating, entertaining read. The relationships the author cultivated were so genuine and well-established, from the romantic relationship between FMC And MMC to the friendships Celeste develops aboard the ship. So many things happened very quickly in the last ~50 pages and it left me wishing it wasn't quite so rushed. The ending may also be my villain origin story because the betrayal broke me. Thank you Netgalley for the e-ARC!