Sea Witch Rising, by Sarah Henning, is the second book in the Sea Witch series, which is a retelling of The Little Mermaid
This review is spoiler free.
Synopsis
“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.
- Author: Sarah Henning
- Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
- Publication Date: August 6, 2019
- Book Length: 416 pages
- Genre: YA Fantasy – Retelling
LINK TO THE BOOKS
Review
Sea Witch Rising takes place decades after Sea Witch and tells the story of Runa, a sea princess, who stops at nothing to save her twin sister, Alia. Runa defies magic to help Alia return to the sea as a mermaid after Alia bargains her life away with the sea witch in exchange for legs so that she can meet her one true love. The deadly magic used unfolds in a way none of them can predict.
This story alternates between the points of view of Runa, the Sea Princess, and Evie, the Sea Witch. Their narratives intertwine and they need to join forces to right wrongs and protect people from the sea and land. However, the plot takes an unexpected turn. At first, I was uncertain about how I felt about the strange turn of events, but I was enthralled and thoroughly enjoyed the magic and the intrigue.
What I loved most about this book was how Runa and Evie share many similarities in their lives, but don’t react in the same way, pushing each other to reflect on their actions. I felt the moral to be more prominent than it was in the first book. The ending was brilliant and beautiful at the same time.
I have given this story four stars because the first part of the book felt a little rushed and consequently, I preferred the second part. I also enjoyed the plotline better in the first book, but I preferred the pacing and action in this book. Overall, Sea Witch Rising is a wonderful tale that I hope you’ll enjoy. I highly recommend it.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
About Sarah Henning
Sarah Henning is a recovering journalist who has worked for the Palm Beach Post, Kansas City Star and Associated Press, among others. While in South Florida, Sarah lived and worked through five hurricanes, which gave her an extreme respect for the ocean.
When not writing, she runs ultramarathons, hits the playground with her two kids and hangs out with her husband Justin, who doubles as her long-suffering IT department. Sarah lives in Lawrence, Kansas, which, despite being extremely far from the beach, happens to be pretty cool.
Giveaway
Prize: Win a copy of Sea Witch and a copy of Sea Witch Rising.
Starts: 16thJuly 2019 – Ends: 30thJuly 2019
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Oh my goodness! I didn’t even realise that there was going to be a sequel! I cannot wait to dive into this one! I loved Sea Witch! Thank you so much for this review and bringing it to my attention! xo
My pleasure! I liked the second even better. I hope you do too. 😊
Intriguing cover