If you’re looking for an action-packed, magic-filled reimagining of The Little Mermaid, the search is over. Sea Witch Rising by Sarah Henning is the sequel we’ve all been waiting for, and this reviewer is going to call it right now: it really gives the original tale a run for its money. In this dual-perspective novel, author Sarah Henning takes the reader on a wild ride both on land and under the sea with a story full of unforgiving magic, heartache, power, and above all else, love. Bittersweet and full of heart, this novel doesn’t pull any punches.
Potential spoilers for first book, Sea Witch, ahead! Sea Witch Rising picks up fifty years after the events of the first novel, and kicks off with the transformation of Alia, the little mermaid. After being sent to land by the sea witch, her twin sister, Runa, seeks a way to save her from the time sensitive spell by doing the unthinkable: Runa must make her way into the lair of the sea witch herself. With her sister doomed to die for a prince who doesn’t love her, Runa must intervene to save the one person she is closest to in her world. With aid from the sea witch herself, who is fighting her own battle for freedom and redemption, Runa will discover that with magic, there is always a price to be paid.
One thing that really makes this novel tick is the characters. The dual perspectives of Evie, the sea witch, and Runa, the mermaid princess, open up the story significantly, allowing the author to explore multiple plot lines and themes. On one hand, there’s Evie who is unapologetically jaded by her own past, yet compassionate to those around her. It’s this compassion that helps bridge the older Sea Witch Rising version of the character with the previously more juvenile version in the first novel. There’s also a bittersweet, wistful tone that flows throughout her chapters, creating an added depth to the character.
“Trust me, Your Highness: revenge doesn’t mend a broken heart.”
And then there’s the new addition to the story: Runa. Runa’s character development is gradual, natural, and inspiring. She begins as simply one half of a whole—her sister acting as her guiding force in life—before evolving into an individual and discovering her own power. Here’s a girl who leaves everything she knows behind to try and do the right thing by her family, even when it terrifies her. Runa’s growth is definitely one of the best parts of this novel, and makes the sequel that much stronger.
The dynamic between these two main characters has such a positive impact on the story. The message of female unity and empowerment is clear, without feeling over done or cheesy. In short, the leading women are strong and capable, without feeling like walking clichés.
And then there’s the main theme of power and magical balance. Henning takes a concept introduced in book one and teases it out to create an unstable political setting, both under the sea and on land. In relation to plot, one thing is clear: Sea Witch Rising is that much stronger due to the conflicts introduced surrounding power and magic, and how they interplay with each other.
“Gold isn’t power—magic is.”
In Sea Witch Rising we learn more about the magical give and take between the ocean and the land, and what it will mean for the future of both royal houses. Tough choices are made, some which can’t be taken back, and all this just adds more tension to the storyline.
So, if you’re looking for a YA fantasy that doesn’t shy away from hard truths and consequences, make sure to pick up this creative, refreshing take on The Little Mermaid! If you think you know how the story goes, guess again…
Sea Witch Rising is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers as of August 6th 2019.
Will you be picking up Sea Witch Rising? Tell us in the comments below!
“The Little Mermaid” takes a twisted turn in this thrilling sequel to villainess origin story Sea Witch, as the forces of land and sea clash in an epic battle for freedom, redemption, and true love.
Runa will not let her twin sister die. Alia traded her voice to the Sea Witch for a shot at happiness with a prince who doesn’t love her. And his rejection will literally kill her—unless Runa intervenes.
Under the sea, Evie craves her own freedom—but liberation from her role as Sea Witch will require an exchange she may not be willing to make. With their hearts’ desires at odds, what will Runa and Evie be willing to sacrifice to save their worlds?
Told from alternating perspectives, this epic fairy tale retelling is a romantic and heart-wrenching story about the complications of sisterhood, the uncompromising nature of magic, and the cost of redemption.
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