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A Cascading Hope
Can one find hope where hatred gathers?
Muírin only wanted to know the truth. She never expected her mother, the Sea Mither and life-giver of the seas, to be attacked amidst Rousay Island’s annual festival.
Devastated, Muírin searches desperately for the heaven’s leaf, a magical plant that can heal her mother. Her search leads her to the shores of Hildaland, the magical island of the Finn Folk, and she finds herself swept up in a grisly mystery.
One by one, those around her disappear, and her mother's life—as well as the lives of all sea folk—hangs in the balance. Muirin must solve the mystery and heal her mother before it's too late and everyone she loves—including herself—are turned into sea foam.
"A Cascading Hope", a new adult retelling of The Little Mermaid, is a standalone novella, complete with tropes like friends to lovers, extrovert/introvert, and magical creatures. It is part of the “Hope Ever After” series, a collection of twenty hopeful and uplifting fairy tale retellings. Each book is written by a different author so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the O.U.R. (Operation Underground Railroad) to rescue children from exploitation and trafficking.
Muírin only wanted to know the truth. She never expected her mother, the Sea Mither and life-giver of the seas, to be attacked amidst Rousay Island’s annual festival.
Devastated, Muírin searches desperately for the heaven’s leaf, a magical plant that can heal her mother. Her search leads her to the shores of Hildaland, the magical island of the Finn Folk, and she finds herself swept up in a grisly mystery.
One by one, those around her disappear, and her mother's life—as well as the lives of all sea folk—hangs in the balance. Muirin must solve the mystery and heal her mother before it's too late and everyone she loves—including herself—are turned into sea foam.
"A Cascading Hope", a new adult retelling of The Little Mermaid, is a standalone novella, complete with tropes like friends to lovers, extrovert/introvert, and magical creatures. It is part of the “Hope Ever After” series, a collection of twenty hopeful and uplifting fairy tale retellings. Each book is written by a different author so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the O.U.R. (Operation Underground Railroad) to rescue children from exploitation and trafficking.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2024
3 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Yakira Goldsberry
8 books41 followersYakira Goldsberry started writing at the age of eight, when she first discovered the power of words. She has since then buried herself in the magical worlds of fiction—and has yet to return. She is the author of the Tales of Faerie Land series, Stardust Trilogy, A Cascading Hope, and has several short stories published in online magazines and anthologies. When not writing she can be found feeding feral librarians, reading, or attempting to learn foreign languages. Her one mission in life—set the world afire with truth.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 13, 2024
An absorbing fairytale inspired story! This is my first from Ms. Goldberry and it was so fun to read. It is a Little Mermaid inspired, with Celtic myths influences as well.
I quickly got invested in Muírin’s POV. She was easy to understand and empathize with. I admired her dedication to her mother and her understanding of her responsibility. She was determined to fulfill her mission and had such courage to pursue it. Yet, she still had her own doubts and struggles. She had to grow and understand herself better, what she was looking for in her life.
The story moved quickly and was full of twists! It had such a classic fairytale/fantasy adventure feeling to it, with a quest into a magical world. It felt like a very defined world, a bit like I had entered mid-series. There were some mystery elements that unfolded through the story.
Ciaran was a fun complementary character. He and Muírin supported each other and had one another's backs. I loved how their friendship developed and grew over the story. The other characters were all really interesting too! I would love to read more about so many of them.
Overall, this was an engrossing story, with quite a creative imagining of the story. I loved how different elements of the fairytale were incorporated. It does have some vague violence along with the mystery elements. There is only kissing as well.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
I quickly got invested in Muírin’s POV. She was easy to understand and empathize with. I admired her dedication to her mother and her understanding of her responsibility. She was determined to fulfill her mission and had such courage to pursue it. Yet, she still had her own doubts and struggles. She had to grow and understand herself better, what she was looking for in her life.
The story moved quickly and was full of twists! It had such a classic fairytale/fantasy adventure feeling to it, with a quest into a magical world. It felt like a very defined world, a bit like I had entered mid-series. There were some mystery elements that unfolded through the story.
Ciaran was a fun complementary character. He and Muírin supported each other and had one another's backs. I loved how their friendship developed and grew over the story. The other characters were all really interesting too! I would love to read more about so many of them.
Overall, this was an engrossing story, with quite a creative imagining of the story. I loved how different elements of the fairytale were incorporated. It does have some vague violence along with the mystery elements. There is only kissing as well.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
May 15, 2024
In "A Cascading Hope" by Yakira Goldsberry, the classic tale of The Little Mermaid is ingeniously reimagined, offering readers a fresh and enchanting narrative that is both captivating and evocative. Muirin's quest to save her mother amidst the backdrop of Rousay Island's annual festival sets the stage for a gripping tale of love, mystery, and magic.
One of the my favourite aspects of the story is the relatability of the main characters,particularly the heroine Muírin, whose struggles and aspirations resonate deeply with readers. Muírin's journey to uncover the truth about her mother's attack and her own heritage, mirrors universal themes of self-discovery and the search for belonging. This relatable aspect of her character adds depth and complexity to the narrative, drawing readers into her world and making them fully invested in her quest.
Goldsberry's incorporation of mythological creatures from Scottish and Irish folklore adds a unique and enchanting dimension to the story, grounding it in a rich cultural tapestry that sets it apart from traditional retellings of The Little Mermaid. The presence of these creatures not only enhances the authenticity of the setting but also adds an element of intrigue and wonder to Muirin's journey.
The use of Scottish brogue and dialect may initially take time to get used to for some readers, but ultimately serves to immerse them more fully in the setting and make the story feel authentic. It ultimately adds to the richness and depth of the narrative, enhancing the overall reading experience.
The conclusion of the story is both satisfying and fulfilling, tying up loose ends and providing closure to Muirin's journey. The progression of Muirin's relationships with her parents and with Ciaran is well-developed, leaving readers thoroughly satisfied with the resolution.
Overall, "A Cascading Hope" is a brilliantly original take on The Little Mermaid, deserving of praise for its ingenuity, creativity, and ability to breathe new life into a timeless tale. Goldsberry's storytelling prowess shines through in this captivating novella, making it a must-read for fans of fairy tale retellings.
One of the my favourite aspects of the story is the relatability of the main characters,particularly the heroine Muírin, whose struggles and aspirations resonate deeply with readers. Muírin's journey to uncover the truth about her mother's attack and her own heritage, mirrors universal themes of self-discovery and the search for belonging. This relatable aspect of her character adds depth and complexity to the narrative, drawing readers into her world and making them fully invested in her quest.
Goldsberry's incorporation of mythological creatures from Scottish and Irish folklore adds a unique and enchanting dimension to the story, grounding it in a rich cultural tapestry that sets it apart from traditional retellings of The Little Mermaid. The presence of these creatures not only enhances the authenticity of the setting but also adds an element of intrigue and wonder to Muirin's journey.
The use of Scottish brogue and dialect may initially take time to get used to for some readers, but ultimately serves to immerse them more fully in the setting and make the story feel authentic. It ultimately adds to the richness and depth of the narrative, enhancing the overall reading experience.
The conclusion of the story is both satisfying and fulfilling, tying up loose ends and providing closure to Muirin's journey. The progression of Muirin's relationships with her parents and with Ciaran is well-developed, leaving readers thoroughly satisfied with the resolution.
Overall, "A Cascading Hope" is a brilliantly original take on The Little Mermaid, deserving of praise for its ingenuity, creativity, and ability to breathe new life into a timeless tale. Goldsberry's storytelling prowess shines through in this captivating novella, making it a must-read for fans of fairy tale retellings.
May 11, 2024
*Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC, all thoughts & opinions are my own*
I love, love, love retellings and it's been a hot minute since I read a Little Mermaid one so I was so excited for this one! The other books in the series can all be read as standalones, so don't feel like you have to read them in any order unless you want to.
I rated it 4.5 stars, it was such a fun and sweet read.
Goldsberry did fantastic at using things from the original fairy tale in a unique way with a twist, so it sticks to the 'retelling category' with this while keeping you from knowing exactly what's going to happen.
There was our main character searching for a cure to save her mother after an awful attack, which lead to her finding out about a curse, and then a mystery that I feel a lot of people would enjoy.
We had introvert/extrovert, friends to lovers, for the romance and it was very cute!
I really loved that the author used original Scottish and Irish folklore for the mythical creatures and setting in this story.
Because of this, the characters do use the dialogue and accent that helps immerse you more into the narrative, but it might be a little hard to get used to at first, once you do though it's very enjoyable.
Definitely recommend grabbing up a copy, especially if you like mermaidy stories with summer approaching!
I love, love, love retellings and it's been a hot minute since I read a Little Mermaid one so I was so excited for this one! The other books in the series can all be read as standalones, so don't feel like you have to read them in any order unless you want to.
I rated it 4.5 stars, it was such a fun and sweet read.
Goldsberry did fantastic at using things from the original fairy tale in a unique way with a twist, so it sticks to the 'retelling category' with this while keeping you from knowing exactly what's going to happen.
There was our main character searching for a cure to save her mother after an awful attack, which lead to her finding out about a curse, and then a mystery that I feel a lot of people would enjoy.
We had introvert/extrovert, friends to lovers, for the romance and it was very cute!
I really loved that the author used original Scottish and Irish folklore for the mythical creatures and setting in this story.
Because of this, the characters do use the dialogue and accent that helps immerse you more into the narrative, but it might be a little hard to get used to at first, once you do though it's very enjoyable.
Definitely recommend grabbing up a copy, especially if you like mermaidy stories with summer approaching!
July 4, 2024
4.5⭐️
Very unique retelling of "The Little Mermaid." The friendship is really sweet. The new-found family. Great story.
Very unique retelling of "The Little Mermaid." The friendship is really sweet. The new-found family. Great story.
May 6, 2024
Not normally a super fan of little mermaid retellings this one did a fantastic job of using the source material and keeping the spirit of the original but making it new and different. I will be marking this whole series on my tbr for sure. The romance was cute and so was the couple. The pacing was medium but not boring. Just a fun read.
🧚♀️ Fairytale rating🧚♀️
9/10 for keeping with the original fairytale
8/10 for originally, taking the tale and giving it an original twist
10/10 for personal enjoyment
🧚♀️ Fairytale rating🧚♀️
9/10 for keeping with the original fairytale
8/10 for originally, taking the tale and giving it an original twist
10/10 for personal enjoyment
May 16, 2024
The story moved a little slow, but I liked the different aspects of it. This was not your usual retelling of the cartoon movie, this one tied back to the original story, with mermaids turning to sea mist if injured or killed.
May 15, 2024
Muirin's tale is that of a desperate quest to heal her mother and save the Sith before the worst happens and they all turn into sea foam. Will she make it in time? Find out in A Cascading Hope, part of the Hope Ever After collaboration.
Each novella in this series is written by a different author and can be read as a standalone. The proceeds from each book go to Operation Underground Railroad in a bid to save children from human trafficking, and Yakira's outstanding novel is dedicated to them.
I had the incredible privilege of reading A Cascading Hope as a Beta reader (although Yakira didn't have Alpha readers, so I guess our Beta team functioned as Alphas too!) and even as a manuscript the story was an amazing read! It's full of suspense, mystery, wit, Scottish folklore and a little bit of terror thrown in the mix near the end. The characters are relatable and it was really fun to get to know all of them - especially Muirin, Ciaran, Aoife, Hamish and the sinister Crow family! The story is original and gripping and it will stay in your mind long after you've turned the last page! The plot kept me on the edge of my seat even in the form of a raw manuscript and now that I'm reading it as a gorgeous and properly formatted book in Kindle, I must reiterate that reading a Yakira book (in any way, shape or form) has to rank among the world's greatest pleasures!
This is a Little Mermaid retelling the likes of which you've never seen before! The Merrows are able to give themselves human legs simply by removing a special kind of cap from their skulls, and I loved the way that Muirin was able to snap her fingers and give herself a stunning dress (complete with belt and shoes) in order to blend into the human world. A lot of retellings involve the poor mermaid having to seek out human clothing when suddenly faced with the loss of a tail, and I loved this refreshing change from the norm!
The book is eminently quotable and is full of twists that you would never see coming! The Scottish brogue was musical and pleasant, a melody in my mental ears, and I adored the intricate worldbuilding and character development in the story. It was fun to see Muiran turn slowly into sea foam (don't worry, she doesn't die!) and her efforts to hide it and race against time to prevent the problem from getting worse - for her and all the Sith! (Sorry if that's a spoiler!) All in all this book will easily stay in my Favourites List for all time and I cannot wait to read the next epic Yakira produces!
Thank you Yakira for the opportunity to Beta read for you, I can't wait to work together again!
Each novella in this series is written by a different author and can be read as a standalone. The proceeds from each book go to Operation Underground Railroad in a bid to save children from human trafficking, and Yakira's outstanding novel is dedicated to them.
I had the incredible privilege of reading A Cascading Hope as a Beta reader (although Yakira didn't have Alpha readers, so I guess our Beta team functioned as Alphas too!) and even as a manuscript the story was an amazing read! It's full of suspense, mystery, wit, Scottish folklore and a little bit of terror thrown in the mix near the end. The characters are relatable and it was really fun to get to know all of them - especially Muirin, Ciaran, Aoife, Hamish and the sinister Crow family! The story is original and gripping and it will stay in your mind long after you've turned the last page! The plot kept me on the edge of my seat even in the form of a raw manuscript and now that I'm reading it as a gorgeous and properly formatted book in Kindle, I must reiterate that reading a Yakira book (in any way, shape or form) has to rank among the world's greatest pleasures!
This is a Little Mermaid retelling the likes of which you've never seen before! The Merrows are able to give themselves human legs simply by removing a special kind of cap from their skulls, and I loved the way that Muirin was able to snap her fingers and give herself a stunning dress (complete with belt and shoes) in order to blend into the human world. A lot of retellings involve the poor mermaid having to seek out human clothing when suddenly faced with the loss of a tail, and I loved this refreshing change from the norm!
The book is eminently quotable and is full of twists that you would never see coming! The Scottish brogue was musical and pleasant, a melody in my mental ears, and I adored the intricate worldbuilding and character development in the story. It was fun to see Muiran turn slowly into sea foam (don't worry, she doesn't die!) and her efforts to hide it and race against time to prevent the problem from getting worse - for her and all the Sith! (Sorry if that's a spoiler!) All in all this book will easily stay in my Favourites List for all time and I cannot wait to read the next epic Yakira produces!
Thank you Yakira for the opportunity to Beta read for you, I can't wait to work together again!
April 5, 2025
This Little Mermaid Retelling is not based on the movie. It features Scottish mythology, which I loved reading about.
Muírin the merrow goes on a quest to find a plant to heal the poison in her mother and find the one who tried to kill her before everyone she knows turns into sea foam.
The merrow have the ability to change their tail into legs by removing a cap from their head.
On her quest, she discovers the truth about who her father is, learns she doesn't know her "human" best friend as well as she thought, and helps to break a curse.
It was full of mystery, and you will be invested in Muìrin's story the whole time.
Muírin the merrow goes on a quest to find a plant to heal the poison in her mother and find the one who tried to kill her before everyone she knows turns into sea foam.
The merrow have the ability to change their tail into legs by removing a cap from their head.
On her quest, she discovers the truth about who her father is, learns she doesn't know her "human" best friend as well as she thought, and helps to break a curse.
It was full of mystery, and you will be invested in Muìrin's story the whole time.
June 7, 2025
I loved this book! The characters and magic system were very interesting. The ending hurt, but it was so very perfect! I would love to read more about this world and go deeper into the peoples and cultures explored here. Highly recommend!
May 26, 2024
The next book on my MerMay reading list is from a series I had heard about in February for National Fairy Tale Day but hadn't read anything from. Hope Ever After is a multi-author series of inspiring fairy tale retellings in which all the proceeds go to O.U.R. (Operation Underground Rescue) to rescue children from exploitation and trafficking. A Cascading Hope by Yakira Goldsberry is a unique retelling of "The Little Mermaid" that veers pretty far from the original story but stays true to the themes of a selfless mermaid protagonist and the impending danger of turning to seafoam. The book relies heavily on Scottish mythology and has a lot of hard-to-pronounce names and Scottish accents written directly into the dialogue. There is a pronunciation and lore guide at the beginning of the book that is required reading for anyone who is not familiar with the culture.
Muírin is a merrow, which is a Scottish mermaid with the ability to transform between human and mer-forms by removing or putting on her "cap." It is similar to the mythology behind selkies, who must wear their skins to turn into seals and also come up in this book. Instead of trying to marry a prince to gain a human soul, Muírin's goal is to travel to the fabled land of Finfolkaheem to find a cure for her injured mother before it's too late and all of the merrows turn to sea foam. There is a bit of a murder mystery as well since she did not see the person who stabbed her mother, but it is easy to figure out who it is and doesn't use a big twist to mess with readers' heads. Although Muírin rescues a boy named Ciaran and has a rushed romance with him, it is far from the main focus of the book, making it a very loose retelling of "The Little Mermaid."
The author of this book put a great deal of effort into incorporating Scottish mythology into a believable world. There is a much stronger focus on worldbuilding than relationships. Nearly every character is associated with some sort of fae creature, which takes away the "fish out of water" element of a magical being on land. In fact, Muírin spent her time equally on land and in the sea from the very beginning. It is later revealed that she is even more powerful than she realizes due to her mother refusing to tell her the identity of her father. She is already the daughter of the Sea Mither, who protects all the merrows in the sea, but her hidden paternal roots give her another sort of magic as well to aid her on her quest. It is obvious why Muírin needs to rescue her mother before her own body slowly dissolves into seafoam, but there isn't a lot revealed of their relationship on a familial level, and her love story with Ciaran is developed even less.
As a lifelong fan of "The Little Mermaid," there was a lot to appreciate about this book despite it being such a loose retelling. Many other adaptations present the mermaid as selfish and irrational for making such a dangerous bargain with the Sea Witch after meeting the prince only once. Muírin is deeply selfless and wholly devoted to giving her life to save others, which is a theme that many people miss from the original fairy tale, especially thanks to Disney changing the ending. It also fixes the complaint that she fell in love with a man who was unconscious when she met him by building a history between Muírin and Cairan before she rescued him. Another thing I find disappointing in some "Little Mermaid" retellings is when the mermaids are eliminated entirely. This book does the opposite by incorporating all kinds of Celtic lore with loads of characters from fae backgrounds with various magical abilities. It was a lovely escape from reality that supports the series' hopeful nature.
A Cascading Hope by Yakira Goldsberry is a unique and whimsical retelling of 'The Little Mermaid' that shines with its rich Scottish mythology and selfless merrow protagonist, Muírin. While it veers far from the original story, it stays true to the themes of sacrifice and danger, and offers a refreshing take on the classic tale. With its focus on worldbuilding and Celtic lore, this book is a must-read for fans of fairy tale retellings and mythology as long as they take the time to review the guide at the beginning first. The Hope Ever After series is a wonderful initiative, and this book is a great addition to it, supporting a worthy cause and inspiring hope in its readers. If you're looking for an enchanting and meaningful read, A Cascading Hope is definitely worth diving into.
Muírin is a merrow, which is a Scottish mermaid with the ability to transform between human and mer-forms by removing or putting on her "cap." It is similar to the mythology behind selkies, who must wear their skins to turn into seals and also come up in this book. Instead of trying to marry a prince to gain a human soul, Muírin's goal is to travel to the fabled land of Finfolkaheem to find a cure for her injured mother before it's too late and all of the merrows turn to sea foam. There is a bit of a murder mystery as well since she did not see the person who stabbed her mother, but it is easy to figure out who it is and doesn't use a big twist to mess with readers' heads. Although Muírin rescues a boy named Ciaran and has a rushed romance with him, it is far from the main focus of the book, making it a very loose retelling of "The Little Mermaid."
The author of this book put a great deal of effort into incorporating Scottish mythology into a believable world. There is a much stronger focus on worldbuilding than relationships. Nearly every character is associated with some sort of fae creature, which takes away the "fish out of water" element of a magical being on land. In fact, Muírin spent her time equally on land and in the sea from the very beginning. It is later revealed that she is even more powerful than she realizes due to her mother refusing to tell her the identity of her father. She is already the daughter of the Sea Mither, who protects all the merrows in the sea, but her hidden paternal roots give her another sort of magic as well to aid her on her quest. It is obvious why Muírin needs to rescue her mother before her own body slowly dissolves into seafoam, but there isn't a lot revealed of their relationship on a familial level, and her love story with Ciaran is developed even less.
As a lifelong fan of "The Little Mermaid," there was a lot to appreciate about this book despite it being such a loose retelling. Many other adaptations present the mermaid as selfish and irrational for making such a dangerous bargain with the Sea Witch after meeting the prince only once. Muírin is deeply selfless and wholly devoted to giving her life to save others, which is a theme that many people miss from the original fairy tale, especially thanks to Disney changing the ending. It also fixes the complaint that she fell in love with a man who was unconscious when she met him by building a history between Muírin and Cairan before she rescued him. Another thing I find disappointing in some "Little Mermaid" retellings is when the mermaids are eliminated entirely. This book does the opposite by incorporating all kinds of Celtic lore with loads of characters from fae backgrounds with various magical abilities. It was a lovely escape from reality that supports the series' hopeful nature.
A Cascading Hope by Yakira Goldsberry is a unique and whimsical retelling of 'The Little Mermaid' that shines with its rich Scottish mythology and selfless merrow protagonist, Muírin. While it veers far from the original story, it stays true to the themes of sacrifice and danger, and offers a refreshing take on the classic tale. With its focus on worldbuilding and Celtic lore, this book is a must-read for fans of fairy tale retellings and mythology as long as they take the time to review the guide at the beginning first. The Hope Ever After series is a wonderful initiative, and this book is a great addition to it, supporting a worthy cause and inspiring hope in its readers. If you're looking for an enchanting and meaningful read, A Cascading Hope is definitely worth diving into.
May 7, 2024
A Cascading Hope is a fairly loose retelling of 'A Little Mermaid' that draws from Celtic (largely Scottish and Irish) myth. Many of the traditional elements of the story are present but are often used in unexpected ways. For example, there is a sea witch in this book, but she is far from the evil outcast from society and adversary of the main character you usually see. The main character herself is also far from the romantic dreamer who just wants to experience life on land and fall in love, instead she has a mission; to save her mother's life and the lives of all denizens of her home and does not let any of the hardships she faces force her to back down or to give up.
The setting is strongly influenced by Celtic mythology adding an extra level of richness to the world the author has created, but thank goodness she included a pronunciation guide because I'm fairly certain only someone raised from birth speaking the language will ever be able to understand how names like Aoife and Muírin are pronounced the way they are based on how they are spelled.
Overall, there is a lot going on in this book from the quest to find the cure to one curse to a not too perplexing murder mystery (I would be surprised if anyone were truly surprised when the culprit is revealed) to a sweet friends-to-lovers romance all of which will keep you reading to find out what happens next. I found it to be a unique and creative take on the well-known fairy tale and a highly enjoyable read. This was the first book I’ve read by the author and I will definitely be looking to read more from her.
I received an ARC and leave an honest review.
The setting is strongly influenced by Celtic mythology adding an extra level of richness to the world the author has created, but thank goodness she included a pronunciation guide because I'm fairly certain only someone raised from birth speaking the language will ever be able to understand how names like Aoife and Muírin are pronounced the way they are based on how they are spelled.
Overall, there is a lot going on in this book from the quest to find the cure to one curse to a not too perplexing murder mystery (I would be surprised if anyone were truly surprised when the culprit is revealed) to a sweet friends-to-lovers romance all of which will keep you reading to find out what happens next. I found it to be a unique and creative take on the well-known fairy tale and a highly enjoyable read. This was the first book I’ve read by the author and I will definitely be looking to read more from her.
I received an ARC and leave an honest review.
Read
July 8, 2024When the Sea-Mither is attacked during the festival on land, Muírin must go on a quest to find a magical plant to save her. What she doesn’t expect is to find a hidden island full of secrets, not the least of which is the truth about her friend, Ciaran.
But as she raced against time to save her mother’s life, Muírin discovers another devastating truth: She’s slowing turning to seafoam. If she doesn’t find the healing plant soon, she may never be able to return to the sea.
Amid the chaos and fear, one truth becomes clear: her love for Ciaran will never be washed away. But does he feel the same?
“She could feel his gaze penetrating her skin, pulling away at every last defense until she stood bare before him, her emotions lying between them like the beach between grass and sea.”
This was a really unique Little Mermaid retelling, pulling from a blend of Scottish and Irish folklore. I enjoyed the world Goldsberry created (although I admit to being confused by the different creatures at times). The attempt at writing brogue was confusing as well.
The romance was subtle and built slowly as the story focused on the quest with many twists and turns. The friendships were one of my favorite parts!
One kiss
No swears
A rather brutal and violent fight along with descriptions of turning to seafoam
But as she raced against time to save her mother’s life, Muírin discovers another devastating truth: She’s slowing turning to seafoam. If she doesn’t find the healing plant soon, she may never be able to return to the sea.
Amid the chaos and fear, one truth becomes clear: her love for Ciaran will never be washed away. But does he feel the same?
“She could feel his gaze penetrating her skin, pulling away at every last defense until she stood bare before him, her emotions lying between them like the beach between grass and sea.”
This was a really unique Little Mermaid retelling, pulling from a blend of Scottish and Irish folklore. I enjoyed the world Goldsberry created (although I admit to being confused by the different creatures at times). The attempt at writing brogue was confusing as well.
The romance was subtle and built slowly as the story focused on the quest with many twists and turns. The friendships were one of my favorite parts!
One kiss
No swears
A rather brutal and violent fight along with descriptions of turning to seafoam
May 7, 2024
Do you want a Little Mermaid retelling that doesn’t follow the Disney movie scene for scene? Goldsberry’s got your back!
This is seriously unlike anything I was expecting from The Little Mermaid - we’ve got Scottish mythology, murder, and mysteries! Muírin is every bit a feisty Scottish lass, Ciaran is a brooding, but sweet hero, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!
While not a complaint, I will give a heads up to readers that the characters all speak with thick Scottish accents, and it’s reflected in the written dialogue. It might be throw people who don’t know what that accent sounds like, but if you use logic and context, you’ll figure out what they’re saying.
Come on into A Cascading Hope! The water’s fine.
This is seriously unlike anything I was expecting from The Little Mermaid - we’ve got Scottish mythology, murder, and mysteries! Muírin is every bit a feisty Scottish lass, Ciaran is a brooding, but sweet hero, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!
While not a complaint, I will give a heads up to readers that the characters all speak with thick Scottish accents, and it’s reflected in the written dialogue. It might be throw people who don’t know what that accent sounds like, but if you use logic and context, you’ll figure out what they’re saying.
Come on into A Cascading Hope! The water’s fine.
May 23, 2024
I really enjoyed reading A Cascading Hope, and I was very honoured to read another epic book from Hope Ever After series that did not disappoint at all!! Little Mermaid will always be one of my top favourite fairytales ever and Yakira did a pretty good job with its retelling!! I must admit, it was far different than the retellings I've read and it was beautiful! The message of hope is as beautiful as in every book in Hope Ever After series and I'm looking forward to read more!!
May 19, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book! This book has wonderful characters and a wonderful plot! I really loved reading this retelling of A Little Mermaid! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down!
May 21, 2024
This was such a great story! It’s a little mermaid retelling but I loved what a unique take on the story this was. You definitely will pick up on the similarities to the little mermaid if you look for them, but this is very much a fresh story. It draws a great deal on Scottish sea lore, introducing you to all kinds of mythical sea creatures which I thought was fascinating.
The plot had me captivated for the whole story, and there are quite a few unexpected twists and turns. IMO it has the perfect balance between being a light read but also having some dark components and suspense.
The love story between Muirin and Ciaran is really charming, but it’s also not the central part of the story, which I appreciated.
I was offered an advance reader of copy courtesy of the author and publisher, and am leaving a review voluntarily.
The plot had me captivated for the whole story, and there are quite a few unexpected twists and turns. IMO it has the perfect balance between being a light read but also having some dark components and suspense.
The love story between Muirin and Ciaran is really charming, but it’s also not the central part of the story, which I appreciated.
I was offered an advance reader of copy courtesy of the author and publisher, and am leaving a review voluntarily.
June 2, 2024
This book was very well-written and explored a beautiful and complex world filled with creatures and characters from Scottish lore. As someone who knows next to nothing about Scottish myths, this was an exciting read.
Ms. Goldsberry clearly did a lot of research on the intricate workings of the various creatures from Scottish lore to create the beautiful story. She also subtly wove together parts of the Hans Christian Anderson version of the Little Mermaid, including the threat of turning into sea foam and the way she arrives on the island, which is the main setting of the story.
I wish the story was longer. But, it is a novella, so the length will have to be satisfactory.
Overall, this was a beautiful read and now I want to dive into Scottish (and Celtic) lore to learn more about it.
I am happy to have been on Ms. Goldsberry's ARC team for this beautiful book. I received a complimentary ebook from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Ms. Goldsberry clearly did a lot of research on the intricate workings of the various creatures from Scottish lore to create the beautiful story. She also subtly wove together parts of the Hans Christian Anderson version of the Little Mermaid, including the threat of turning into sea foam and the way she arrives on the island, which is the main setting of the story.
I wish the story was longer. But, it is a novella, so the length will have to be satisfactory.
Overall, this was a beautiful read and now I want to dive into Scottish (and Celtic) lore to learn more about it.
I am happy to have been on Ms. Goldsberry's ARC team for this beautiful book. I received a complimentary ebook from the author in exchange for my honest review.
May 7, 2024
It may seem a bit biased for the author to give herself a five star review but darn it I think I deserve it.
This book was the very first five-month crunch I’ve ever done. It was a crazy time, involving sudden changes in my life, a surprise chronic illness coming in to make things difficult, and a whole plethora of stress and anxiety. But I got her done. I couldn’t give up on this book knowing that the proceeds will be used to help the victims of human trafficking.
Throughout writing, Muírin’s gumption and stubborn grit honestly kept me going. I wanted to write a story that was fun, a little mysterious, a little spooky, with a dash of romance, and a plethora of Celtic folklore. I hope you find just that if you decide to read A Cascading Hope!
This book was the very first five-month crunch I’ve ever done. It was a crazy time, involving sudden changes in my life, a surprise chronic illness coming in to make things difficult, and a whole plethora of stress and anxiety. But I got her done. I couldn’t give up on this book knowing that the proceeds will be used to help the victims of human trafficking.
Throughout writing, Muírin’s gumption and stubborn grit honestly kept me going. I wanted to write a story that was fun, a little mysterious, a little spooky, with a dash of romance, and a plethora of Celtic folklore. I hope you find just that if you decide to read A Cascading Hope!
July 16, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4.
I really appreciated the shift of focus from the traditional romance-centered Little Mermaid story to a more friendship-based one.
The transcribed dialect was a little hard to get used to, but it didn't impede comprehension for too long, although I did have to go back and re-read several sections in order to make sure I hadn't missed anything.
I really appreciated the shift of focus from the traditional romance-centered Little Mermaid story to a more friendship-based one.
The transcribed dialect was a little hard to get used to, but it didn't impede comprehension for too long, although I did have to go back and re-read several sections in order to make sure I hadn't missed anything.
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