🧜‍♀️Book Spotlight: The Little Mermaid’s Voice

Genre: YA Fantasy • Retelling • Romance • Historical Twist

Format: Audiobook
Series: Fairy-Tale Inheritance Series
Year Published: 2021
Page Count: 288
Rating: ☕☕☕☕

Coffee Recommendation: Iced Cold Brew with Sweet Cream Cold Foam.

Would you trade your world for a soul?
After the little mermaid’s sacrifice, merfolk are forbidden from surfacing. Sea princess Mairin resents the rule—until she’s tasked with protecting a human descended from the prince who changed everything. But when betrayal runs deep and freedom is on the line, Mairin strikes a deal with the sea witch and follows the boy aboard the Titanic. What begins as a mission for revenge turns into something far more complicated as Mairin’s heart—and the fate of two worlds—hangs in the balance.

My Thoughts

I’ve really enjoyed this series by Shonna Slayton. Most of the books can be read as standalones, with the exception of Cinderella’s Dress, Cinderella’s Shoes, and Cinderella’s Legacy (Novella), which form a connected trilogy. Slayton does a fantastic job of reimagining classic fairy tales, blending their familiar magic with real historical events in fresh and creative ways.

The Little Mermaid’s Voice explores what happens after Hans Christian Andersen’s original The Little Mermaid. Shonna Slayton builds on the classic tale’s ending, offering a unique continuation of the story. I highly recommend reading the original—it’s much darker and quite different from the movie version.

We’re introduced to Mairin, a strong-willed protagonist living in the shadow of her famous aunt—the original little mermaid. Unlike her aunt, Mairin resents humans, blaming them (and her aunt) for the barrier that now prevents merfolk from surfacing. When she’s offered a chance to undo that damage, she seizes it—unaware of the consequences her actions will bring. As she spends time among humans aboard the Titanic, Mairin begins to realize they aren’t so different from her own people. What she once saw as selfishness is replaced by glimpses of courage and selflessness in the face of disaster. Her character arc is beautifully crafted—rich with growth, yet paced so naturally that it never feels rushed.

“She had believed humans to be selfish, but as the ship sank, she saw them giving up lifeboat seats, comforting strangers, and facing death with courage. Their actions spoke louder than any words.”
— The Little Mermaid’s Voice by Shonna Slayton

Through Mairin’s interactions with the passengers aboard the Titanic, we glimpse their excitement and hope for the journey ahead. Many spoke eagerly of reaching New York, marveled at the “unsinkable” ship, and even joked about spotting an iceberg. Each moment carried a quiet weight, knowing what history holds. As real historical figures appeared in the story, their presence added a bittersweet layer—making their fate all the more poignant.

☕ Final Thoughts

The Little Mermaid’s Voice is a clever, emotional blend of fairytale and history. Shonna Slayton delivers a fresh take on a classic tale, set against the haunting backdrop of the Titanic. With strong character development and a unique twist on familiar lore, this story kept me engaged from start to finish.

If you enjoy fairytale retellings with historical depth and a dash of heart, this one’s worth a spot on your TBR. Just don’t forget your coffee—preferably strong and over ice. ☕💬

Have you read any fairytale retellings that surprised you? I’d love to hear your favorites!