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Not Quite the Fairy Tale #2
A Little Siren
Silvia Undine is used to shouldering the blame for everything happening around her; people tend to be suspicious of what they don't understand and they definitely don't understand her kind.
The one place she might find acceptance is her home, the ocean from which she's been banished.
Never had she imagined that her return might start a war and what she most certainly hadn't expected was to find Kings willing to fight for, against, and over her.
The one place she might find acceptance is her home, the ocean from which she's been banished.
Never had she imagined that her return might start a war and what she most certainly hadn't expected was to find Kings willing to fight for, against, and over her.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2015
137 people are currently reading
589 people want to read
About the author
May Sage
153 books1,899 followersMay Sage is a USA Today Bestselling romance writer dabbling in different genres.
When she isn’t writing, she spends her time with her German Shepherd and her two Savannahs. She loves reading, ballet, running, and cake. Mostly, cake.
May Sage also writes longer fantasy romance novels as Alexi Blake.
When she isn’t writing, she spends her time with her German Shepherd and her two Savannahs. She loves reading, ballet, running, and cake. Mostly, cake.
May Sage also writes longer fantasy romance novels as Alexi Blake.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 10, 2015
This is definitely a fairy tale for adults with very sexy scenes and adult language. I enjoyed the characters, especially Silvia, who is determined and resilient. She is very much a modern day heroine. I had read beforehand that the author based the story on The Little Mermaid but as I didn't remember the plot, this story was very fresh and thoroughly enjoyable. There is plenty of fantasy with heroes and villains but interestingly the story still has a very current feel.
This is an easy read, which moves along at a good pace. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
This is an easy read, which moves along at a good pace. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
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October 5, 2018Most of you loved Cinderella; the one feedback I received is that you found it too short; I've taken that into consideration with the sequel - a little Siren is a bit deeper; definitely a full-on novel, rather than a novella. It's fun, it's hot, and you might want to throw your kindle at a wall once or twice; but hey, I take it as a compliment.
May 14, 2019
I was hesitant to read this one and I was somewhat right, since I didn't like it nearly as much as the first one.
It's a story that has similar elements to those of the Little Mermaid - a rescued prince/king, his duplicitous fiance, a voice that's been taken away and a powerful villain with nefarious intentions.
The "little mermaid" in this case, Silvia, isn't exactly a mermaid or as innocent as the Disney story and .
I was not feeling the romance at all, and the felt completely unnecessary and only helped in bringing me out of the story.
Silvia was misunderstood and did a lot of good without expecting anything in return and I liked that she got her happy ending, as well as the recognition she deserved especially from her family, even if it was a little late.
The series continues with Beauty and the Beast, which I hope will be good since it's based on one of my favorite stories.
Previous book review:
✦ Cinderella (Not Quite the Fairy Tale, #1) ~ ★★★★
It's a story that has similar elements to those of the Little Mermaid - a rescued prince/king, his duplicitous fiance, a voice that's been taken away and a powerful villain with nefarious intentions.
The "little mermaid" in this case, Silvia, isn't exactly a mermaid or as innocent as the Disney story and .
I was not feeling the romance at all, and the felt completely unnecessary and only helped in bringing me out of the story.
Silvia was misunderstood and did a lot of good without expecting anything in return and I liked that she got her happy ending, as well as the recognition she deserved especially from her family, even if it was a little late.
The series continues with Beauty and the Beast, which I hope will be good since it's based on one of my favorite stories.
Previous book review:
✦ Cinderella (Not Quite the Fairy Tale, #1) ~ ★★★★
Read
January 17, 2017Really really needs an editor. Badly.
I don't like hearing so much about the H's sex with OW. Okay. Fits in the plot. But still annoying.
Also needed more groveling. 2.5 stars.
I don't like hearing so much about the H's sex with OW. Okay. Fits in the plot. But still annoying.
Also needed more groveling. 2.5 stars.
October 27, 2018
Thankfully, this was a shorter story, but the problems I had with the previous installment of the series were still present in this one. What made matters worse for me was that the story only had cursory ties to the actual fairy tale that it was supposed to be inspired by! I loved the Prince in the story, but his backstory was almost completely unbelievable! The erotic parts weren't all that erotic to me, and while I finished it quickly, it just didn't feel worth it to me. I think I'll wind up abandoning the series and the author!
December 7, 2015
As the title suggests this book is a sexy and realistic twist on the normal syrupy sweet fairy tales. It has complicated family relationships , separated lovers , scheming villians , and warring kingdoms. However this time around its the heroine who rescues the day and has all these awesome abilities. I loved the Siren/Silvia because she was so silently capable . There was no boasting about her powers or any (much deserved) appreciation. Yet she went out and did what needed to be done selflessly, every time, without having to be prodded or coerced into it. She sort of had the 'kingmaker' feel. The force behind the throne , the one holding everything together.
I didnt like Erik ( hero) that much , in the beggining. I thought he was sort of a doofus for not realising a lot of things earlier. However he grew on me by the end. I would still say he doesn't deserve Silvia because she is just too good for him , but I guess I don't think anyone is worthy of her.
Overall the plot was engaging and fast paced , the characters were well fleshed out and conclusion was satisfying.
I would recommend this book if you like strong heroines , dark sexy fairy tales and need a satisfying HEA.
This book can be read as stand-alone.
I didnt like Erik ( hero) that much , in the beggining. I thought he was sort of a doofus for not realising a lot of things earlier. However he grew on me by the end. I would still say he doesn't deserve Silvia because she is just too good for him , but I guess I don't think anyone is worthy of her.
Overall the plot was engaging and fast paced , the characters were well fleshed out and conclusion was satisfying.
I would recommend this book if you like strong heroines , dark sexy fairy tales and need a satisfying HEA.
This book can be read as stand-alone.
November 26, 2015
An absolutely beautiful, witty, hot, engaging and very well written fairy tale for grown-ups! The characters are incredibly charming, especially the Siren herself – Silvia, and the king/hottest man alive/single father Erik, who Silvia saved from an imminent death together with his son Sebastian.
The plotline runs very smoothly and at a very good pace, which makes the story quite a page-turner. The complicated family relationships, the temporary break-up between the two lovers, a scheming fiancé and the threat of war between kingdoms bring the memories of the long-forgotten tales told from a very unique and adult perspective.
The correlation of the modern world with its technology and a world of magic with all the inhabiting it fairy tale creatures creates an exceptional atmosphere you want to dive in together with the little Siren. It’s a holiday must-read for everyone!
The plotline runs very smoothly and at a very good pace, which makes the story quite a page-turner. The complicated family relationships, the temporary break-up between the two lovers, a scheming fiancé and the threat of war between kingdoms bring the memories of the long-forgotten tales told from a very unique and adult perspective.
The correlation of the modern world with its technology and a world of magic with all the inhabiting it fairy tale creatures creates an exceptional atmosphere you want to dive in together with the little Siren. It’s a holiday must-read for everyone!
December 14, 2015
Don't let the words Fairy Tale fool you. This is definitely an adult book.
Based on the little mermaid, Sylvia, is a siren, who has saved two men, she shouldn't have. I think other reviewers have pretty much fleshed out the story, so I will just say that I enjoyed the plots, and the intrigue. There were erotic moments throughout the book but these scenes did not overpower the story itself.
If you enjoy a unique tale with a touch of adult content, and some dark moments, this is the book for you.
Based on the little mermaid, Sylvia, is a siren, who has saved two men, she shouldn't have. I think other reviewers have pretty much fleshed out the story, so I will just say that I enjoyed the plots, and the intrigue. There were erotic moments throughout the book but these scenes did not overpower the story itself.
If you enjoy a unique tale with a touch of adult content, and some dark moments, this is the book for you.
May 24, 2017
This series makes me a bit angry.
I think that this universe has a lot of promise, and I'm very intrigued by it, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. THIS COULD BE SO GOOD IF ONLY IT HAD BETTER EDITING!
I assume that these books are not being edited, and if they are, the editor needs to be fired. There are too many basic errors that should be caught (both in this book as well as the first).
Scenes flicker by like an outline sometimes. It's hard to visualize what is going on because the reader is often just tossed into a scene with no anchor. You'll be in a scene with character A and then suddenly you're reading a conversation between character B and C without any transition. And don't bother trying to visualize what the characters are doing because the author doesn't give you any of that information. Then, suddenly you're back with character A and what was the point of that short scene anyway?
So that would be one suggestion. Flesh out the scenes and set them up. Make the transitions smoother so the reader doesn't get whiplash or lost. Short scenes aren't inherently bad, but when every scene is short, it starts to read less like a story and more like an outline.
Also, the massive amounts of exposition and world building that's just tossed out at random? No. Please stop that. There are smoother and less obvious ways of world building without just throwing out paragraphs of "facts" about the world. Some of which have zero relevance to the story at hand anyway.
I just really love the idea behind this series, but ugh, the writing is so rough. A really good editor/beta reader/stranger who won't say nice things because they like you would really help these books out.
I think that this universe has a lot of promise, and I'm very intrigued by it, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. THIS COULD BE SO GOOD IF ONLY IT HAD BETTER EDITING!
I assume that these books are not being edited, and if they are, the editor needs to be fired. There are too many basic errors that should be caught (both in this book as well as the first).
Scenes flicker by like an outline sometimes. It's hard to visualize what is going on because the reader is often just tossed into a scene with no anchor. You'll be in a scene with character A and then suddenly you're reading a conversation between character B and C without any transition. And don't bother trying to visualize what the characters are doing because the author doesn't give you any of that information. Then, suddenly you're back with character A and what was the point of that short scene anyway?
So that would be one suggestion. Flesh out the scenes and set them up. Make the transitions smoother so the reader doesn't get whiplash or lost. Short scenes aren't inherently bad, but when every scene is short, it starts to read less like a story and more like an outline.
Also, the massive amounts of exposition and world building that's just tossed out at random? No. Please stop that. There are smoother and less obvious ways of world building without just throwing out paragraphs of "facts" about the world. Some of which have zero relevance to the story at hand anyway.
I just really love the idea behind this series, but ugh, the writing is so rough. A really good editor/beta reader/stranger who won't say nice things because they like you would really help these books out.
September 16, 2019
Very confusing and disjointed and just some forced emotional manipulation. Apparently technology entangled with fairy tale world but they still have kings/princes and cannons and ships… Oy vey. Let me just say this it was so confusing that I have no idea how this couples' story finished and I was listening closely. They said these are separate stories and yet there was distinct connection between this story and the one before which I did not have access to but was convinced it can be listened without it and I was just so lost as some of the past of the h was pretty set up in the previous book…. All in all the way this story was told and the way the author approached it seemed pretty centered to satisfy the H of the story. I mean crucial details about h are revealed about the h “being made by the goddess” by the villain of the book behind the main action and no one but the villain ever knows that and these two h and H are just connected by ridiculous sexual chemistry and that is it. I did not expect this to be this disjointed but normal continuity was severally lacking from this story telling. More to the point the focus on random characters and moments just interrupted the normal flow of the story which made it even more confusing. And then there is the small fact that a random villain shows up, turns out to be pretty focal point of a battle that ends up with no casualties and then reveals critical details about h that no one knew before and found out after…
October 27, 2017
I desided to read this even though I couldn't find Cinderella (the first in this serie), I hope it wasn't a mistake.
As with Beauty and the beast I loved it and coudn't stop reading, which means that I once again had a sleepless night. Well I said in my review of Beauty and the beast that I didn't really like Sage's writing style, that has changed now. It just took some time getting used to because it was a bit different than the writers I'm used to. Now I have to decide if I should spend more money on Sage's amazing books or if I should read some of the other books that I own. A hard decision!
As with Beauty and the beast I loved it and coudn't stop reading, which means that I once again had a sleepless night. Well I said in my review of Beauty and the beast that I didn't really like Sage's writing style, that has changed now. It just took some time getting used to because it was a bit different than the writers I'm used to. Now I have to decide if I should spend more money on Sage's amazing books or if I should read some of the other books that I own. A hard decision!
October 10, 2019
I've always been drawn to The Little Mermaid fairytale. I'm not talking about the Disney version, which became a mild obsession at one point, but the Hans Christian Anderson one. It was my first foray into innocent love, the sacrifices one makes for happiness and the emptiness that comes with loss.
This "modern fairytale" will now take a key position in my 5-star ratings because -
• Silvia Undine (aka Ursula) finally found her HEA
• Sebastian will never be the same again
• I actually did some Google research to find out was a knucker & mesuline is
• Silvia is my kind of BFF
This "modern fairytale" will now take a key position in my 5-star ratings because -
• Silvia Undine (aka Ursula) finally found her HEA
• Sebastian will never be the same again
• I actually did some Google research to find out was a knucker & mesuline is
• Silvia is my kind of BFF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2020
So after being disappointed in Cinderella I was weary going into this one. I was pleasantly surprised it was much better than Cinderella and had more depth. I was still very confused in some parts I felt like she was throwing everything at the book and sometimes important things got a little lost. But definitely an improvement and definitely a reason to continue with the series. Although the epilogue threw me and didn't quite make sense!
November 21, 2016
Great Read
Fantastic Author, Great set of fairy tale books. (I like the lwngth of these books, not short and not long) I absolutely love the authors point of view on classic fairy tales. I would recommend these books to anyone that loves classic love stories and to those who like fairy tales retold.
Fantastic Author, Great set of fairy tale books. (I like the lwngth of these books, not short and not long) I absolutely love the authors point of view on classic fairy tales. I would recommend these books to anyone that loves classic love stories and to those who like fairy tales retold.
February 26, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2023
I really love these retellings of classic fairy tales. They’re very creative and entertaining to read. I had read most of them a while ago through KU but I really wanted to own this one. The emotions written are well portrayed and this world that she’s created is wonderful to get lost in.
I really love these retellings of classic fairy tales. They’re very creative and entertaining to read. I had read most of them a while ago through KU but I really wanted to own this one. The emotions written are well portrayed and this world that she’s created is wonderful to get lost in.
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September 10, 2023I think the story had a lot of potential but it was cut short. The ending was unsatisfactory having Morgan and Vanessa just disappear without a fight and Sylvia had the potential to break a lot of havoc and she didn't use the full extent of her power which is why I feel the story was incomplete.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2016
I liked Cinderella's story, it needs editing but the story itself is cute. This story is just confusing, and still lacks editing. Maybe the problem is that I've never liked the little mermaid story in first place.
December 19, 2018
What A Great Read
I am really surprised, but even with the quick pace, I adored this book and can not wait to start the next one. If you want a quick, entertaining read with very well rounded characters, and a dash of magic, please read this book.
I am really surprised, but even with the quick pace, I adored this book and can not wait to start the next one. If you want a quick, entertaining read with very well rounded characters, and a dash of magic, please read this book.
January 23, 2019
Updated Little Mermaid
Ariel eat your heart out! This book was so good. I loved that the author, May Sage is making the stories intertwined. I like when a series has characters overlapping.
Ariel eat your heart out! This book was so good. I loved that the author, May Sage is making the stories intertwined. I like when a series has characters overlapping.
May 3, 2019
suspicions from earlier book confirmed. that said the lack of an editor means I'm still a little confused as to what the author was trying to say a few times. Spellcheck does not stand in for actual editing.
March 11, 2019
The second book delivers just like the first. Very good
April 22, 2019
Once again the twists in this adult retelling were fantastic! I really cannot get enough!
December 5, 2019
Geht hauptsächlich um Sex, zuwenig Story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2020
A sexy retelling
I love Sylvia who isnt nice but is fierce and I love how she Erik and little Seb come together
I love Sylvia who isnt nice but is fierce and I love how she Erik and little Seb come together
March 3, 2020
While the world of intersecting fairy tale figures has promise, the book itself was hard to follow and detracted from the story. Transitions between scenes were rare which made it read as disjointed.
May 17, 2020
Not Safe:
July 26, 2020
Good
This is an interesting version of fairytales. Sweet, spicy, and well played. A very enjoyable reading indeed. Grab one and have fun!
This is an interesting version of fairytales. Sweet, spicy, and well played. A very enjoyable reading indeed. Grab one and have fun!
March 7, 2017
I couldn't get into this book so much. Loved the little boy, but the writing quality was mediocre at best, and the whole book could use another round of editing.
January 6, 2017
Siren
Wasn't a bad short adult fairy tale retelling. I would've loved to read more. It lacked depth like most short stories do but I'm finding that all these stories connect so I'm able to still see a glimpse of the characters in other books in the series as well. I'd give it a 3.5 overall.
Wasn't a bad short adult fairy tale retelling. I would've loved to read more. It lacked depth like most short stories do but I'm finding that all these stories connect so I'm able to still see a glimpse of the characters in other books in the series as well. I'd give it a 3.5 overall.
January 24, 2019
I don't remember the original too well but I found it fascinating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews