This added so much backstory for his character while keeping to the storyline of the original movie. I loved this book and can not wait for more in the series. ( )

I am an absolute sucker for a retelling, and especially for ones set in a universe I already love. I hope that I get to read one about all of the Disney Princes.

*semi spoilers* although you read about it in the first 25 pages.

Prince Eric being cursed was such a unique take on the story, and it really helps to take the Little Mermaid and give it so much more detail and perspective. ( )

This book is the first in a line of novels that will focus on the princes and give them a backstory that was unseen in the movies themselves.

Prince Eric, our male lead in the movie, takes center stage in this story. Long ago, while his mother, the Queen of Vellona, was pregnant, she managed to save a soul that had managed to get away from the Sea Witch. Angered at being thawed from claiming a soul, Ursula cursed the child in the Queen's womb - that a kiss by his true love will be the only one for him to have. Any kiss would mark his death.

When a storm destroys his ship, Eric finds himself flung from his ship and heading toward a watery grave. That is until a figure with "bright red hair and incredible singing voice" saves him from certain death.

But before the prince can search for her, he has other problems to worry about - pirates are threatening the coast of his home and worse other kingdoms are throwing their daughters at him with the hopes of they be the next royal ruling with him.

Why is it so hard to decide on a rating and review when it comes to books lately? This book was a rather interesting and fun read on one side of the spectrum but on the other side - I am not quite sure I like the whole "he is cursed to only kiss his true love". If that were true, why was it not spoken about in the movie? I mean, his story is open to being interpreted because there really is not much on him except the sequels, but even then, wouldn't the sequels speak of this curse? I may not have been a fan of the sequels but I am sure I don't remember hearing it.

Don't get me wrong, it is a unique take on Eric's story but also it puts in mind all the cursed princesses (except Prince Adam who was cursed in Beauty and the Beast) and the story feels like they needed a background for Eric so why not curse him too. I would have loved to have seen something different from all these cursed storylines.

It is still a good story and filled with nostalgia from my teenage years, but I am really on the fence about the whole "he is cursed too" storyline. ( )

I wouldn't say this was a terrible retelling, but it wasn't great either... I doubt that I'll go out of my way to read other books in this series. ( )

I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher for promotional purposes.

I was really impressed with this retelling! I know a lot of people take issue with the Twisted Tales Disney series because it follows the movie too closely, so I was worried that this new Disney Prince series would be similar. Fortunately, this book does add a lot more to the movie. Prince Eric gets an entire backstory involving a curse which gives him so much more depth than he has in the movie. There are also a bunch of added scenes including a ton developing Eric and Ariel’s relationship. Their love story in the book is a lot less insta-lovey than it is in the movie.

I also loved that the book managed to solve common plot issues of the movie. For example, it explains why Ariel doesn’t write what she wants to say and why Ariel didn’t read her contract with Ursula.

This book is also inclusive without feeling forced. One character, Gabriella, is a lesbian, while another character, Sauer, uses they/them pronouns. Both Gabriella’s sexuality and Sauer’s pronouns are no big deal. It’s treated so normally that it actually took me a while to notice Sauer’s pronouns.

Lastly, let’s just take a minute to appreciate that gorgeous cover. It’s perfection.

Overall, I loved this retelling of The Little Mermaid! If you’re a fan of The Little Mermaid, I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. ( )