Title: Rise of the Sea Witch
Series: Unfortunate Soul Chronicles #1
Author: Stacey Rourke
Genre: YA fairy tale retelling
Release Date: June 19, 2017
Details of the sea witch’s banishment have been exaggerated. The body count that preempted it was not. Once an illustrious princess, her hands and tentacles were stained with the blood of thousands. No one could comprehend how the hooks of madness dragged her down from her life of privilege.
Born Princess Vanessa of Atlantica, the ambitious young royal was one of two children born to the great King Poseidon. She and her brother, Triton, were groomed from birth to rule. Yet only one would ascend that coveted throne. While carefree Triton flits through his training with a cavalier demeanor and beguiling charm, Vanessa’s hunger for her father’s acceptance drives her to push herself to the limits of magic, and combat to become a leader worthy of her people.
When war against the humans ravages their once regal kingdom, political sides are chosen. Factions from the seven seas challenge the existing leadership, pitting Vanessa against her brother in a vicious battle for the crown. Traitors are exposed, dark family secrets revealed, and a once strong sibling bond is strained to its breaking point.
Only when the ink black waters from the ultimate betrayal rescind, will the truth be known of how the villainous sea witch rose with one name on her vengeful lips--Triton.
My Thoughts: That Poor Unfortunate Soul!
Honestly, this was my first Stacey Rourke novel, I own at least 5 of her novels, but this is the first I've actually read. That being said I think I'm hooked, yes, purposely did a fishy pun. This is a story for any little mermaid fan, as you get to know what made Ursela became the sea witch.
Being firstborn seemed to mean nothing to her father King Poseidon, because he only had enough attention for his son prince Triton. So to prover worthiness to take the throne princess Vanessa did everything she could to be perfect. But destiny would lead her on a far different path. At their time of ascension after the kings passing, the heirs are put to the test one shall retain the shell of alchemy, while the other will receive the trident and throne. Vanessa had always had a touch of magic within her but once selecting the Alchemist's She'll her life is forever changed. When war breaks and sides are drawn, Vanessa hopes to use her magic for good, but when allies turn traitor and she is left looking the villain drastic measures are taken. It's then that Vanessa takes on a new name and life as she lives in banishment from the world she had once sought to rule and save.
Overall, good read and my heart hurts for the so called "villain". To be turned on and hurt but the people you loved and called family is the absolute worst thing, so it's no wonder how you could see Vanessa the dutiful princess turn vengeful sea witch Ursela. I'm actually quite stunned at how controlled Ursela/Vanessa stayed even after her public punishment, because I'd have blasted them all with my magical powers, but then again I am only human. The only person I couldn't stand was definitely Triton, but probably because he was annoying little brother who despite being king needed his sister to take the blame and help him out. So if you like backstory's on your favorite childhood villain's then you'll enjoy this novel about Ursela.
RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series Novel
Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012
Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 & Best Teen Book of 2013
Readers' Favorite Silver Medal Winner for Crane 2015
Stacey Rourke is the author of the award winning YA Gryphon Series, the chillingly Legends Saga, and the romantic comedy Reel Romance Series. She currently hard at work on the Unfortunate Soul Chronicles, and additional literary projects. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant dogs. She loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.
