Familiar fairytales get new life in 'Upon a Starlit Tide'

The daughter of a wealthy merchant with painfully disfigured feet longs for adventure on the open ocean in this dark and emotional fairytale retelling from Kell Woods. Stifled by high society and enchanted by her father's tales of life on the sea, Lucinde dreams of the ocean. Known only to Samuel, her best friend and an English smuggler, Luce is plotting her own future disguised as a sailor. Her only escape from her family's careful protection and the constant pain in her feet are their secret sailing lessons. While her sisters hunt for a promising match, Luce and Samuel hunt for shipwrecked treasure in her father's perilous waters. But when a shipwreck brings a handsome stranger to her family's cove, everything changes. Luce is instantly drawn in by Morgan's charm, and she quickly becomes entangled in familial jealousy, fairy magic, and warring desires. Is Morgan truly the man he seems to be, or does something rotten lie hidden beneath the surface? Can Samuel escape pursuit by authorities on both sides of the sea? Luce's curiosity soon unearths dark secrets and betrayals that shake her to her core. All the while, danger looms on the horizon as the English navy sails ever closer to Saint-Mallo. To weather this storm, Luce must look within to find her long-hidden strength and decide where her loyalties truly lie. Blending elements of both "Cinderella" and "The Little Mermaid," "Upon a Starlit Tide" is a heartfelt tale of personal discovery, betrayal, and love. Woods weaves an intricate plot that draws the reader into the story, allowing them to feel every moment of tension and surprise alongside the characters. Parts of the novel tap into the tradition of Grimm fairy tales, shying away from neither violence nor emotional turmoil. However, this is tempered by moments of tenderness, passion and a world that feels as though it is truly alive. Enchanting, complex, and beautiful, "Upon a Starlit Tide" delivers a unique perspective that makes familiar tales feel new again. Readers of Naomi Novik, T. Kingfisher, and Juliet Marillier are sure to enjoy Woods' blend of retelling, history, and originality. This book is for the romantics, the dark fantasy lovers, and anyone who once wished to be a mermaid. Hold onto your hats and prepare for an emotional rollercoaster.