I loved this fairytale story that included elements of Cinderella and The Little Mermaid! It was a fun and enchanting read. The narrator's voice for Samuel was one of the most unsexy things I've ever heard so it unfortunately took away from his character and I would have preferred to read his lines myself in my head. Otherwise, the narrator was on point with everything else and it was a pleasant listening experience.

A great new twist on old fairytales. I could tell Woods had potential with After the Forest even if that one didn't totally work for me but this felt like she took all my problems with that book and polished it to a near perfect shine.

Upon the Starlit Tide mixes a few fairly tales including Cinderella and The Little Mermaid and creates a folk story worthy of their names. The plot was interesting and the characters were fascinating. I really loved Woods writing of relationships. My favorite one being between our main characters and her sisters. There was something so wonderfully written here about familial bonds and the petty fights and jealousies but also deep deep love. It was really powerful.

It also had a slow burning but lovely love story at the center that hit me in the gut by the end.

Overall, a great story and second book!

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this audiobook. The audio narrator did a great job!

Lush and imaginative take of the story of the little mermaid, with a touch of Cinderella and a dash of historical fantasy. Perfect for fans of retellings like those of Naomi Novik and Robin McKinley.

I love the way Woods has woven historical elements, traditional Breton folklore, bits and pieces of familiar fairy tales and some good old fashion hunky saillors into this story. The attention to detail for historical elements, from the descriptions of Saint-Malo to the fashions of the time are immaculate and its clear the author did the research into these details.

The romantasy tropes be trope-ing, but in ways that I feel work for the story, coming about organically. It is a bit slow to get going and is overall medium paced until the very end.. Our FMC Luce is also disabled and I think the author writes the disability with respect and realism (though I can't speak for the community in this way).

The narrator performance is decent - her accent in general is lovely and she does the French pronunciations well. I didn't love the voice she used for Luce - I think it made Luce seem whinier than the actual words would.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for an ALC of this gorgeous book!

This was sent to me as an Audiobook, which I love - in fact 80% of the books i read are audio, maybe more.
However.
I tried to listen to this one several times. Restarting, thinking it was my mood or whatever.
I could not get interested. And unfortunately i think the narrator was the issue.
The accent. It was a hard miss. I do not think this should have been read with a (?) British accent.
(I do think the narrator would be good with the right title, just wasnt working for me here.)
It felt unapproachable and uninterested in its audience, if that makes sense.
I had to DNF it after several serious tries.
TO BE FAIR....I do intend to read this title in print, because the premise of the story is still very interesting to me. And so I will give this a 3 star rating, pending a re-rating once I read it!

1 sentence review: This story is like a mature Little Mermaid meets Cinderella!

This story has so many familiar magical fairytale elements, but it was wholly unique to anything I’ve read or watched!! The prose was beautiful and enchanting and the audiobook really made me feel like I was transported into the story. As someone who loves the water, the imagery, story, and setting were so comforting. I had guessed a twist pretty early on, but I was still shocked by plenty throughout this story!

My biggest downfall with this one was the length. I felt it was slow to start and dragged in the middle, but once I got to about 65%- I was completely engrossed and didn’t want to stop reading!

Read This if You Like:
✨ Classics fairytales
🌊 A River Enchanted
🧜🏻‍♀️ Siren/mermaid tales

Luce is the youngest daughter of her wealthy family and much beloved by her father. Their parents have plans for them to marry advantageously and continue a similar life.

However Luce is much more interested in the sea and hopes to set out on her own adventures. She's learned to sail with the help of a friend, Samuel, who happens to be smuggler from England, with which her country is at war.

Plans go awry when the middle daughter decides her own path, which leaves Luce with just enough freedom to get herself into serious trouble. But this trouble also leads her to her truth and the need to make a decision about what she really wants.

I did enjoy this book, but Luce was almost saccharine to the point of annoyance. There was also some of that "not like other girls" thing going on. She does find her strength and ability to make her own choices though.

If you're into fairy tales and romance, you'll really love this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC of Upon a Starlit Tide by Kell Woods!

This Little Mermaid and Cinderella retelling is everything I didn’t know I needed. It’s been a long time since a book has truly surprised me, completely captivated my interest, and lingered in my thoughts even when I couldn’t listen.

Kell Woods’ storytelling is both enchanting and haunting, weaving a tale that feels timeless yet fresh. The atmosphere is rich with magic, and every detail pulls you deeper into its spell. I especially appreciated that the romance wasn’t the central focus but rather a beautiful complement to the main character’s journey of self-discovery. Watching her come into her own while still finding love made the story all the more compelling.

Esther Wane’s narration was phenomenal, giving each character a distinct and unique voice. There was never any doubt about who was speaking, and the sheer emotion she poured into every moment made the story even more immersive.

This book has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. With its mesmerizing prose, eerie beauty, and a storyline that keeps you hooked from start to finish, it’s a must-read for any fantasy lover!

*contains slight spoilers*

Thank you for the ALC!!

The narrator for this audiobook did SUCH a good job overall!! It did take me a bit to get over Samuel sounding like an old salty dog but I really found the characters lovable and so well written. It has a couple predictable moments but the blending of retellings was refreshingly unique and I do enjoy Kell Woods’ writing style a lot! I do wish we learned more of the other sea maidens and that magical world but still appreciated the mystery there! Overall it really solidified the fact that I love Kell Woods’ books and cannot wait to read more by her!

I don’t know what I did to deserve the chance to read this book in my lifetime, but I must have done something right. This book was not what I expected and honestly, I’m glad. I’ve read my fair share of fairytale retelling but Kell Woods truly does something unique. Not only does she meld two of the most popular fairytales together, she makes it something entirely new and unforgettable. This book was beautiful, gruesome , and a contender for my top book of the year.

I read this with my eyes and loved it so much that I immediately requested the audiobook to experience all over again. 10/10 would read again and again. It's amazing no matter the format.

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!!!!

The gorgeous cover for this book is what caught my attention and I was very excited when I saw all the glowing reviews. Overall, this was beautifully written and would appeal to anyone who enjoys fairytale mash-ups. I loved the first half of the book and there were definitely some great twists along the way. Unfortunately, I started to lose interest in the second half.

I gave the book 3 stars, but I think it will definitely find an eager audience.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook.

I’ve found my new favourite book.

The cover first caught my attention, then the synopsis piqued my interest, but the true gem of this story is Kell Woods’ beautiful prose, lush setting, and emotional character relationships. With elements from both Cinderella and The Little Mermaid, this historical fantasy has both familiar notes while standing on its own as a wholly unique and enchanting read. So enthralled with this book, its pacing, its characters, and its heart, I finished the audiobook in just over a day and it has haunted me ever since.

Upon A Starlit Tide is perfect for readers who like:
- Historical fantasy
- Dark fairy tales
- Sea-maids
- Glittering masquerade balls
- Shipwrights
- Gritty smugglers
- Forbidden Romance
- Loveable side characters
- Hidden rooms
- Family secrets
- Lush, atmospheric prose

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC. I eagerly await Kell Woods’ next project!

This was my first Kell Woods book, and I was utterly captivated by her lyrical and evocative prose.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of 18th-century Saint-Malo, Upon a Starlit Tide is a captivating and immersive tale of magic, mystery, and forbidden desires. The characters are richly developed, with Luce standing out as a particularly compelling protagonist. Her inner turmoil is exquisitely depicted as she wrestles with conflicting emotions, making it impossible not to root for her.

One of my favorite aspects of the story is the historical setting, which seamlessly blends with fantastical elements: glittering fae magic, an undercurrent of danger, and an exploration of Luce’s growing supernatural abilities.

This audiobook features the wonderful narration of Esther Wane. She brings so much emotion and atmosphere to the story, making the lush descriptions, different characters, and magical world come alive in a way that just reading the text can't match.

Thank you to @macmillan.audio and @kellinthewoods for an ALC of this fantastical tale!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Upon a Starlit Tide is a sweeping, spellbinding historical fantasy with elements of The Little Mermaid and Cinderella that captured me from the first line.

I adored this one. From the start, I knew it would be a new favorite. I loved how Kell incorporated The Little Mermaid and Cinderella, combining the familiar stories to create a new, fascinating tale of love, magic, seduction, secrets, and more. Kell’s prose presented the story beautifully. The historical setting was intriguing, and I enjoyed the historical details. The characters, especially Luce, Samuel, and Bones, were well-developed and wonderfully entertaining. The romance between Luce and Samuel was addictive, and the ending was lovely. This story was magic itself, transporting me into a historical fantasy I will not forget. I highly recommend this beautifully propulsive and whimsical tale that feels like stepping into a new, deeply enchanting fairytale.

Esther Wane was the perfect narrator for this story. From the start, her smooth, powerful voice immersed me in the novel, making the story even more atmospheric with the depth and accents she used. I highly recommend the audiobook!

Thank you to the publisher for the free ALC!

First, many thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan audio for giving me the opportunity to hear this audiobook in advance if it's publication.

My interest was piqued by the concept; a Cinderella-little mermaid mashup sounded really interesting, and I had high expectations that I'd enjoy this book. Unfortunately, I ultimately felt the pacing was off, the characters were a little flat, and the tone was a bit somber for my tastes. I didn't dislike it, per se, but I wasn't invested enough in the fairy tale mashup to look past those issues.

I can easily imagine a more patient reader enjoying this book immensely. The writing was good, and the scenery was fun to read about. Not my cup of tea, but I'm sure it will circulate on premise alone, and it's bound to find many devoted fans.

As for the narration, I thought Esther Wane gave a wonderful performance. Her various accents and voices really lent a texture to the story, and I would seek out other books narrated by her to read in the future.

Upon a Starlit Tide was everything I wanted and didn't know I needed from a historical fantasy! This was an atmospheric experience and a truly unique take on A Little Mermaid and Cinderella. The story felt rich, with beautiful prose, and a touch of that darkness from original fairy tales.

Luce is the youngest daughter of a wealthy ship owner, she loves her family, but wishes for something more. She longs to travel the seas and explore the world. She thinks this could finally be a possibility for her when her father commissions her a ship. However, it ends up being a ship in her name, but not a ship for her to use for her own. Without saying too much this story does so much, we get to explore Luce, her sisters, and her friendships as well as her possible love interests.

I thought this story was beautifully crafted and really added depth to fairytales that we already know and love. The voice actor on the audiobook did an amazing job. The experience was immersive and ethereal and I couldn't put it down. I loved the fierceness of this and coming into your own.

Absolutely recommend this as a read to pick up! Thank you to the publisher for providing an ALC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


4.5 Stars rounded up to 5

I loved the retelling of famous fairy tales threaded together. It felt familiar while still being original.
The dark tones are perfectly balanced with hope and the strong relationships between the characters.
It has everything: a beautiful historical setting, strong characters, legends and magic, betrayal and love.
The writing is very good and it makes for a beautiful and compelling tale.

I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator was fantastic, it was really immersive.
Thank you Macmillan audio!

Lucinde Leon, the youngest daughter of one of the wealthiest ship owners in Saint-Malo, feels confined by the city's high walls and society's strict expectations. Unlike her sisters, who are interested in making advantageous matches, Luce has dreams of leaving home and joining a ship's crew. Aided by her friend Samuel, an English smuggler, Luce learns to sail so she can one day make this a reality. But Luce's life is thrown off course when she rescues Morgan de Chatelaine, the youngest son of the most powerful ship owner in Saint-Malo, from drowning. Drawn to his charm, Morgan may not be all that he seems, and Luce soon finds there may also be more to her past than her father told her.

This is part Little Mermaid and part Cinderella, and I absolutely loved it. The story is beautifully written, and the romance had me crying by the end. Woods writes incredibly complex characters. While the book is mostly story-driven, the characters and their actions still feel natural and fully realized within the narrative.

I especially loved the fae and magic in the story. Woods's depiction of this fantastical component adds such a sense of wonder to the story, and you can't help but be fully drawn in as Luce learns more about the feared and misunderstood people that used to live more closely with humans.

The ending of the book was the cherry on top. Without giving it away, I will say that I loved how Woods was able to give Luce the independence and adventure that she so desired (and deserved) without sacrificing the romantic component.

Read if you like:
Fairytale retellings
Merfolk
Magic
Forbidden romance
Slow burn
Hidden identity
Family secrets

Upon A Starlit Tide may have strands of both The Little Mermaid and Cinderella, but it’s definitely original and unique. Kell Woods has such a beautiful and lyrical writing style. Combine that with the outstanding narration of Esther Wane and you have a feminist fairytale that is simply perfection. And that cover is gorgeous! The cover art is by @lindseycarrillustrates and the cover design by @katiejaneklim

Thank you to @macmillan.audio and @kellinthewoods for an ALC of this beautiful tale. I sincerely loved every minute of it.

I was hooked from the first chapter! This book is such a fun take on classic fairytales and is refreshing with the current popular fantasy books out. Some aspects of the story are obvious but still a fun time! There’s romance, adventure, and mystery! What else could you want? If you want a nice standalone story this is definitely one you should pick up!