Review for Rise of the Sea Witch by Stacey Rourke

Rise of the Sea Witch by Stacey Rourke

Blurb: 

 Details of the sea witch’s banishment have been exaggerated. The body count that preempted it was not. Once an illustrious princess, her hands and tentacles were stained with the blood of thousands. No one could comprehend how the hooks of madness dragged her down from her life of privilege.

Born Princess Vanessa of Atlantica, the ambitious young royal was one of two children born to the great King Poseidon. She and her brother, Triton, were groomed from birth to rule. Yet only one would ascend that coveted throne. While carefree Triton flits through his training with a cavalier demeanor and beguiling charm, Vanessa’s hunger for her father’s acceptance drives her to push herself to the limits of magic, and combat to become a leader worthy of her people.

When war against the humans ravages their once regal kingdom, political sides are chosen. Factions from the seven seas challenge the existing leadership, pitting Vanessa against her brother in a vicious battle for the crown. Traitors are exposed, dark family secrets revealed, and a once strong sibling bond is strained to its breaking point.

Only when the ink black waters from the ultimate betrayal rescind, will the truth be known of how the villainous sea witch rose with one name on her vengeful lips--Triton.

Review:

Who here loves Disney?! You do? Do you love The Little Mermaid? Of course you do! 

I also love The Little Mermaid. I'd sit up glued to the TV whenever it would come on. Even back then I'd wonder what happened to Ursula? What made her "her", you know? Worry not, for here's an answer for you in an amazingly well written book format! (Wow, I'm feeling super hyper today. Tone it down TJ!)

Lately,I've been on a re-telling and anti-heroes kick. And you know I love a good back story. So OBVIOUSLY, this book hit just the right spot! I absolutely love books by Stacey Rourke. She has a way to just pull you in and keep you hooked. I expected no less from this book and it absolutely delivered. 

Rise of the Sea Witch is the back story for Ursula, or Princess Vanessa as she was known back then. I absolutely LOVED it. The characters were amazing and the writing style, as usual, was brilliant. There was a little surprise character that I totally did not expect to see in this particular story, but I hope he/she comes back in the next instalment. (No, I'm not telling you which character. Because SPOILERS!)

I particularly loved how Stacey Rourke just incorporates these little bits that are reminiscent of the characters we know. It actually felt like the character you know? But at the same time, manages to make the story her own. She created a book world around a few characters we know and love, and gave it her own distinct voice. (That was confusing, wasn't it?)

Finally, lets take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous cover! How cool does that look?!

Overall, just get this book if you love The Little Mermaid, or just mermaids in general, or re-tellings. Absolutely loved this book!

PS: I don't know how she will top this book, but I have no doubt the next book will still blow me away!

Read the Prologue for Rise of the Sea Witch in my last post HERE.