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** I received an ARC for an honest review **
Description
Saint-Malo, Brittany, 1758.
To Lucinde Leon, the youngest daughter of a wealthy French shipowner, the high walls of Saint-Malo are more hindrance than haven.
While her sisters are busy trying to secure advantageous marriages, Luce spends her days secretly being taught to sail by Samuel, her best friend – and an English smuggler. Only he understands how the waves call to her. Then one stormy morning, Luce rescues a drowning man from the sea.
Immediately drawn in by the stranger’s charm, Luce is plunged into a world of glittering balls and faerie magic, seduction and brutality. Secrets that have long been lost in the shadowy depths of the ocean begin to rise to the surface, but as Luce wrestles with warring desires, she finds that her own power is growing brighter and brighter, shining like a sea-glass slipper … Or the scales of a sea-maid’s tail.
Summary
I recently had the delight to read Upon A Starlit Tide, the latest fairytale and historical fantasy novel by Australian author Kell Woods.
Review
Upon A Starlit Tide combines fairy tale tropes and historical fantasy to delve into 1800s societal expectations, restrictions on freedom and female identity set in 1700s coastal Brittany. Protagonist, Lucinde (Luce) navigates familial duties, a physical disability and a untamed personality often at odds with social norms.
Woods creates a unique historical fantasy world-building foundation combining tropes and aspects of classic fairy tales from ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘Cinderella’, and ‘Bluebeard’. In blending these fairytales sharing independent female protagonists, Woods weaves an enchanting tale evoking the 18th century historical context with fantasy, Fae folklore, magic, mystery and romance.
Conclusion
A highly recommended read! A perfect fairy tale inspired historical fantasy full of magic, romance, Fae folklore and an enjoyable cast of characters and a witty, rebellious female protagonist.
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 