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The Net That Holds Me: A Little Mermaid Retelling Novella
She is a princess with a love for the open skies. He is a prince with a longing for the sea. How could it not work out?
Sage is the youngest daughter of the king and queen of the Under Realm. A beautiful sea kingdom filled with peace and prosperity. But there is always something she desires more than her underwater life. When she stumbles upon a human walking on the mainland, her mind is filled with thoughts of dancing daydreams. Will her secret be her ruin though?
Elias is a prince in line to rule his throne. His days are spent learning how to lead and his nights are spent escaping to the seaside caves. When he spots a unique woman swimming under the waves, he throws aside all he knows to be with her. There's only one secret he can't tell her. How long can he hide it?
Yet there is something looming ahead that neither of them saw coming. A secret bigger than both of them. It's sink or swim and it's only a matter of time before they'll drown.
Sage is the youngest daughter of the king and queen of the Under Realm. A beautiful sea kingdom filled with peace and prosperity. But there is always something she desires more than her underwater life. When she stumbles upon a human walking on the mainland, her mind is filled with thoughts of dancing daydreams. Will her secret be her ruin though?
Elias is a prince in line to rule his throne. His days are spent learning how to lead and his nights are spent escaping to the seaside caves. When he spots a unique woman swimming under the waves, he throws aside all he knows to be with her. There's only one secret he can't tell her. How long can he hide it?
Yet there is something looming ahead that neither of them saw coming. A secret bigger than both of them. It's sink or swim and it's only a matter of time before they'll drown.
- GenresRetellingsFantasy
203 pages, Paperback
Published June 18, 2023
5 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 22, 2023
The Net That Holds Me: A Tale From the Sandy Shores Book 1 by Scarlett Luna Strange.
This novelette was well written and paced. It is a little mermaid retelling but this author made it her own.
Sage, youngest daughter of the merkingdom, wants to see the surface and the humans in it. Elias, heir to the throne, and hears a call to the ocean.
These two have a wild and fast romance. This is completely clean! This was a fun read and I finished it between breaks and my lunch at work 😉.
I recommend this fun tale with romance, drama, and intrigue.
This novelette was well written and paced. It is a little mermaid retelling but this author made it her own.
Sage, youngest daughter of the merkingdom, wants to see the surface and the humans in it. Elias, heir to the throne, and hears a call to the ocean.
These two have a wild and fast romance. This is completely clean! This was a fun read and I finished it between breaks and my lunch at work 😉.
I recommend this fun tale with romance, drama, and intrigue.
June 24, 2023
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Sage‘s point of view
Review:
This was a short and sweet Little Mermaid retelling! I loved that the feel of the story made me not only entertained but also made me feel cozy (similar to Allison Tebo’s writing!). I loved getting a bit of the sea world as well as the land and how they spend their time on both. I’m excited to see what else Scarlett Luna Strange plans to do with this series and who else we may meet in this world!
Summary:
Sage is the youngest child of the royal family of the mermaids and she has a secret, she defies her parents’ wishes and visits the world above the sea. She just can’t help the pull she feels to venture beyond her known world. And one day she meets someone unexpected. A human.
As Sage continues to meet with her new human friend, Elias, who longs for the peace the sea brings him, she feels even more strongly the desire to walk on the land with him. After bargaining with the outcast sea witch, Sage is able to just that and learns so much more than she could from the ocean.
But with her way on land comes a restriction that makes it so Sage can’t talk about her mermaid heritage without Elias already knowing it. As time passes and their feelings growing beyond their simple beginning, it gets harder and harder for Sage to get up the courage to show Elias who she really is…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Sage‘s point of view
Review:
This was a short and sweet Little Mermaid retelling! I loved that the feel of the story made me not only entertained but also made me feel cozy (similar to Allison Tebo’s writing!). I loved getting a bit of the sea world as well as the land and how they spend their time on both. I’m excited to see what else Scarlett Luna Strange plans to do with this series and who else we may meet in this world!
Summary:
Sage is the youngest child of the royal family of the mermaids and she has a secret, she defies her parents’ wishes and visits the world above the sea. She just can’t help the pull she feels to venture beyond her known world. And one day she meets someone unexpected. A human.
As Sage continues to meet with her new human friend, Elias, who longs for the peace the sea brings him, she feels even more strongly the desire to walk on the land with him. After bargaining with the outcast sea witch, Sage is able to just that and learns so much more than she could from the ocean.
But with her way on land comes a restriction that makes it so Sage can’t talk about her mermaid heritage without Elias already knowing it. As time passes and their feelings growing beyond their simple beginning, it gets harder and harder for Sage to get up the courage to show Elias who she really is…
June 28, 2023
4.5 stars
I received an ARC. This is a very clean, YA fantasy fiction suitable and readable for readers 12+. It’s a MF romance between a 19-year-old and a 25-year-old. The story follows Sage, a mermaid who befriends the human Prince Elias. I would’ve liked to have seen more development of friendship between the two characters and see their exchanges rather than be told a month passed. There is a best friend mermaid named Prina, however, once Sage goes on land, we don’t get to see the best friend. The whole book, especially the ending, was rather quick. Overall a cute retelling of Little Mermaid.
I received an ARC. This is a very clean, YA fantasy fiction suitable and readable for readers 12+. It’s a MF romance between a 19-year-old and a 25-year-old. The story follows Sage, a mermaid who befriends the human Prince Elias. I would’ve liked to have seen more development of friendship between the two characters and see their exchanges rather than be told a month passed. There is a best friend mermaid named Prina, however, once Sage goes on land, we don’t get to see the best friend. The whole book, especially the ending, was rather quick. Overall a cute retelling of Little Mermaid.
March 3, 2024
The Net that Holds Me by Scarlett Luna Strange is a bare-bones minimalist retelling of "The Little Mermaid" with virtually no stakes. I learned about it from the recent Valentine's Day book promotion and decided to throw in the anchor because I usually love "Little Mermaid" retellings and even wrote one of my own. The book is innocent and inoffensive for the most part, but it mitigates the majority of the tragic themes that make "The Little Mermaid" such a classic story and comes off as disrespectful toward the original protagonist at one point near the end. As a standalone YA romance, it's a short and sweet love story that can be finished in about two hours, but as a "Little Mermaid" retelling, it doesn't hold a lot of water.
Anyone who has read or seen a "Little Mermaid" adaptation knows the drill. Sage is a lonely mermaid who is bored with her life under the sea and thirsts for something more. One fateful day, she meets Elias, a human prince who also longs for something more than his life on land. These secret oceanside meetings continue for some time, but Sage keeps her tail obscured in the water, ashamed of her secret. Soon, she decides these meetings are not enough for her and seeks her beloved mentor, Tove, for a potion that will turn her human so she can explore more of Elias's world. The potion switches her between human and mer forms with the rising and setting of the sun and restricts her from telling Elias her secret. Spending more time with Sage makes Elias grow even closer to her. He eventually decides he wants to marry her even though his parents have already planned a political alliance for him.
This book gets props for including both the mermaid's and the prince's perspectives since the prince is often the most overlooked character from the original fairy tale. However, both protagonists' personalities are inconsistent and never quite reach the nuance breadth of a living breathing person. Sage claims to be shy but regularly visits Elias even before transforming into a human and has few qualms about talking to him about anything and everything. Like most fairy tale princes, Elias's personality revolves entirely around his fascination with Sage and his boredom with palace life. Even the sea witch, Tove, is a watered-down version of a villain who is kind and loving for the most part despite later revealing a confusing backstory with murky motivations that never result in any danger on Sage's behalf.
The book's biggest inconsistency is Sage's reaction upon learning that Elias is engaged. Despite claiming to be shy, Sage reacts like a typical siren and threatens to send the wrath of the ocean after him. This is the part I found most disrespectful to the fairy tale. The original little mermaid was going to die if the prince married someone else, but she still couldn't bring herself to act against him to save her own life because her love was so strong. Here, nothing would have happened to Sage if Elias married someone else. While it makes sense for her to be angry with him for not being honest with her, her reaction is so over-the-top that everything we've learned about her character leading up to this point sinks to the ocean floor. Elias's reaction is also confusing. He is more impressed by her ability to drown him with a flick of her wrist than he is fearful.
The Net that Holds Me is a light and quick read that offers a different perspective on a classic tale. While it provides dual narration and explores the prince's side of the story, its simplified plot, underdeveloped characters, and inconsistent portrayal of the mermaid ultimately leave it lacking the depth and emotional resonance of the original "Little Mermaid." Readers seeking a fresh and nuanced retelling may want to look elsewhere, but those seeking a quick and uncomplicated love story might find this a pleasant escape.
Anyone who has read or seen a "Little Mermaid" adaptation knows the drill. Sage is a lonely mermaid who is bored with her life under the sea and thirsts for something more. One fateful day, she meets Elias, a human prince who also longs for something more than his life on land. These secret oceanside meetings continue for some time, but Sage keeps her tail obscured in the water, ashamed of her secret. Soon, she decides these meetings are not enough for her and seeks her beloved mentor, Tove, for a potion that will turn her human so she can explore more of Elias's world. The potion switches her between human and mer forms with the rising and setting of the sun and restricts her from telling Elias her secret. Spending more time with Sage makes Elias grow even closer to her. He eventually decides he wants to marry her even though his parents have already planned a political alliance for him.
This book gets props for including both the mermaid's and the prince's perspectives since the prince is often the most overlooked character from the original fairy tale. However, both protagonists' personalities are inconsistent and never quite reach the nuance breadth of a living breathing person. Sage claims to be shy but regularly visits Elias even before transforming into a human and has few qualms about talking to him about anything and everything. Like most fairy tale princes, Elias's personality revolves entirely around his fascination with Sage and his boredom with palace life. Even the sea witch, Tove, is a watered-down version of a villain who is kind and loving for the most part despite later revealing a confusing backstory with murky motivations that never result in any danger on Sage's behalf.
The book's biggest inconsistency is Sage's reaction upon learning that Elias is engaged. Despite claiming to be shy, Sage reacts like a typical siren and threatens to send the wrath of the ocean after him. This is the part I found most disrespectful to the fairy tale. The original little mermaid was going to die if the prince married someone else, but she still couldn't bring herself to act against him to save her own life because her love was so strong. Here, nothing would have happened to Sage if Elias married someone else. While it makes sense for her to be angry with him for not being honest with her, her reaction is so over-the-top that everything we've learned about her character leading up to this point sinks to the ocean floor. Elias's reaction is also confusing. He is more impressed by her ability to drown him with a flick of her wrist than he is fearful.
The Net that Holds Me is a light and quick read that offers a different perspective on a classic tale. While it provides dual narration and explores the prince's side of the story, its simplified plot, underdeveloped characters, and inconsistent portrayal of the mermaid ultimately leave it lacking the depth and emotional resonance of the original "Little Mermaid." Readers seeking a fresh and nuanced retelling may want to look elsewhere, but those seeking a quick and uncomplicated love story might find this a pleasant escape.
June 23, 2023
This is the first book in the A Tale From the Sandy Shores Series. It can be read as a standalone, though some plot points will furthered be answered in the sequel. Don't worry, the sequel is expected to be released this July. It's the author's debut novella & it's sure to be one that will have you wanting to read more from her. The book's blurb lets you know what to expect. It's a great Little Mermaid retelling told through Sage's pov that fans of the original will surely enjoy.
As the youngest princess of the Under Realm, Sage has everything that she could want but that doesn't stop her from feeling a pull to the mainland. Even though she has been warned about it & humans, she doesn't believe the warnings could be true. Meeting Elias proves to her that her feelings were right. Like Sage, Elias has also longed for an escape but his call is to the ocean. Their longing for an escape is part of what allows them to bond & have their feelings grow for each other. But, as secrets come out, Sage questions if she truly can have her happily ever after with Elias.
Although this is a novella that may leave you wanting more to read, the pacing & development of the story were done well. The author did a great job in introducing the characters & setting for the remainder of the series. The plot is simple to follow, & without much conflict, but it's one that will make you want to keep reading to see how it will differ from the original. While there's familiarity with the beloved tale, there's also some twists to make it the author's own story.I had an inkling about one of the reveals but I loved the way it was revealed. As for the romance, it's a sweet & clean friends to lovers kind. You will like the small banter between Sage & Elias. There were a couple of times that Sage made me laugh as she questioned some of Elias' human behavior. Overall, this was a very easy & enjoyable read for me. It's a strong debut & I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
As the youngest princess of the Under Realm, Sage has everything that she could want but that doesn't stop her from feeling a pull to the mainland. Even though she has been warned about it & humans, she doesn't believe the warnings could be true. Meeting Elias proves to her that her feelings were right. Like Sage, Elias has also longed for an escape but his call is to the ocean. Their longing for an escape is part of what allows them to bond & have their feelings grow for each other. But, as secrets come out, Sage questions if she truly can have her happily ever after with Elias.
Although this is a novella that may leave you wanting more to read, the pacing & development of the story were done well. The author did a great job in introducing the characters & setting for the remainder of the series. The plot is simple to follow, & without much conflict, but it's one that will make you want to keep reading to see how it will differ from the original. While there's familiarity with the beloved tale, there's also some twists to make it the author's own story.
July 3, 2023
This was adorable! I loved this quick retelling! Even though it was quick it had a unique retelling aspect that I hadn't seen before! Loved this!
October 30, 2023
Loved this twist of the little mermaid! I wasn't expecting the ending and loved the relationships of the characters! This clean retelling was a great fun read!
March 3, 2025
This is a short "Little Mermaid" retelling, sweet but not well developed.
July 2, 2023
Sage is the only mermaid with a black tail — a feature no one can explain. But it’s her love for the human world that sets her apart from her mermaid family.
Elias escapes the pressures of being the crown prince by running to the ocean. A chance encounter with a mysterious woman has him questioning everything about his life.
When Sage takes the leap to join Elias on shore, she knows it will only be a matter of time before she’ll have to choose between him and her home forever. But will the secrets surrounding them tear them apart?
This was a really sweet retelling of the Little Mermaid. Strange pulled elements from our favorite tale while introducing new and exciting aspects. The Net That Holds Me is a short novella, and I do wish that some aspects of the story had been fleshed out a bit more as we’re left with a few unanswered questions.
A delightful romance between two starry-eyed youths, the story has themes of honesty and family. A great debut story from Strange, and I’m eager to see what she has coming next.
Elias escapes the pressures of being the crown prince by running to the ocean. A chance encounter with a mysterious woman has him questioning everything about his life.
When Sage takes the leap to join Elias on shore, she knows it will only be a matter of time before she’ll have to choose between him and her home forever. But will the secrets surrounding them tear them apart?
This was a really sweet retelling of the Little Mermaid. Strange pulled elements from our favorite tale while introducing new and exciting aspects. The Net That Holds Me is a short novella, and I do wish that some aspects of the story had been fleshed out a bit more as we’re left with a few unanswered questions.
A delightful romance between two starry-eyed youths, the story has themes of honesty and family. A great debut story from Strange, and I’m eager to see what she has coming next.
April 8, 2024
"The Net That Holds Me: A Little Mermaid Retelling Novella" by Scarlett Luna Strange surprises with unexpected twists, adding a layer of intrigue to the beloved tale of the Little Mermaid. Sage, the mermaid with a distinctive black tail, defies her family's wishes to explore the human world, leading to a fateful encounter with Elias, a prince drawn to the ocean.
The novella navigates Sage's internal conflict as she forges a connection with Elias, highlighting themes of honesty, family, and the inevitable choices between love and home. Despite being concise, the novella maintains a well-executed pace and development. Scarlett Luna Strange introduces new and exciting elements, making the retelling uniquely her own. The twists, unexpected and cleverly revealed, contribute to the novella's charm. The romance between Sage and Elias is portrayed with sweetness, adding to the overall appeal.
While some aspects could benefit from more depth, it's an inherent characteristic of the novella format. Sage and Elias embark on a sweet friends-to-lovers journey, their feelings evolving beyond a simple beginning. The author effectively introduces characters and settings, laying the foundation for the series. The familiar yet surprising plot encourages readers to keep turning the pages.
As a debut in the "A Tale From the Sandy Shores Series," Scarlett Luna Strange's novella promises further answers in the sequel, making it a standalone with the potential for deeper exploration. The unexpected twists and imaginative storytelling showcase the author's talent, leaving readers eager for more from this promising new voice in fairy tale retellings.
The novella navigates Sage's internal conflict as she forges a connection with Elias, highlighting themes of honesty, family, and the inevitable choices between love and home. Despite being concise, the novella maintains a well-executed pace and development. Scarlett Luna Strange introduces new and exciting elements, making the retelling uniquely her own. The twists, unexpected and cleverly revealed, contribute to the novella's charm. The romance between Sage and Elias is portrayed with sweetness, adding to the overall appeal.
While some aspects could benefit from more depth, it's an inherent characteristic of the novella format. Sage and Elias embark on a sweet friends-to-lovers journey, their feelings evolving beyond a simple beginning. The author effectively introduces characters and settings, laying the foundation for the series. The familiar yet surprising plot encourages readers to keep turning the pages.
As a debut in the "A Tale From the Sandy Shores Series," Scarlett Luna Strange's novella promises further answers in the sequel, making it a standalone with the potential for deeper exploration. The unexpected twists and imaginative storytelling showcase the author's talent, leaving readers eager for more from this promising new voice in fairy tale retellings.
January 17, 2024
I loved this sweet retelling of the Little Mermaid! It was a cozy and quick read. There were some twists at the end that I didn’t expect. Sage and Elias had a precious relationship. I loved how they built a friendship first. As well as seeing Sage overcome her shyness. The romance is clean with nothing more than kissing. Such a cute story!
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