The suspense is created by sprinkling chapters throughout the main story that start four years prior. A parent dies, a prince is in peril, a Queen disapproves, forbidden love, the temptation of magic, townspeople against a misunderstood girl, and mermaids, but in Henning’s hands it feels fresh and new. There are all the usual tropes you would expect.
Better to experience things as they unfold. That is the backdrop and I don’t want to reveal any more because it might spoil the tale. Her death has had a huge impact on their lives. Evie feels responsible for Anna’s death and Nik tried to save Anna, but failed. One day while the three are hanging out there is an accident and Anna drowns. Anna, a blond eyed beauty and a titled lady, begins to fall in love with Nik. Evie can feel the magic pulsing in her and has been practising, in secret, testing out her new powers. Magic is forbidden and anyone practising witchcraft will be put to death. This has caused people in town to think Evie is trying to rise above her station. It has allowed Evelyn to have a close relationship with Nik, despite their social status. Her aunt saved the king’s life and that has given her family special status. Evelyn comes from a poor family with no title. He is at the age where he must leave his childhood behind and learn to step into his new role. Nik is a prince who will one day take over from his father.
Told by Evelyn, the story focuses on three best friends who grow up in this small fishing village. Setting it in a land far away adds an extra layer of mystery and charm and introduces new customs and traditions to the reader. The story was far more entertaining, the arc more exciting, the characters more enticing and overall it was more delightful.The tale takes place in Denmark, when kings and queens ruled. I recently read another one of these retellings about Cinderella’s wicked stepmother, but I enjoyed “Sea Witch” so much more. It’s like looking through history with a different lens, you recognize the events but there is a new perspective.
We get a chance to see the history of this character and discover what might have made them evil. How wonderful, when an author can create an original backstory for a character that has always been one dimensional. And is there anything older than sea? This is the prequel to “The Little Mermaid” and tells the story of how the sea witch (dubbed Ursula in the Disney version) came to be. There is nothing that I look forward to more than a good retelling of an old tale. My opinions are my own and independent of receiving an advanced copy.I fell in love with this story. My thanks to Edelweiss, Katherine Teigen Books, Harper Collins Canada and Sarah Henning for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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