A Dive into Fairytales: My Thoughts on Upon a Starlit Tide
When I first stumbled upon Upon a Starlit Tide by R.K. DeLuca, I couldn’t resist the promise of a historical fantasy that intertwined the beloved tales of Cinderella and The Little Mermaid. As a sucker for a good fairytale retelling, I eagerly anticipated a whimsical journey through the shores of 18th-century Brittany. Little did I know, the adventure would become a mix of allure and frustration.
Plot at a Glance
Set in 1758 Brittany, we follow the spirited Lucinda Leon (or Luce), the youngest daughter in a family of significant wealth, who longs to forsake the glamorous life her sisters pursue in favor of navigating uncharted waters. When she rescues the scion of a powerful shipping family and hopes to win favor at a celebratory ball, the plot unravels to reveal a world shadowed by disappearing fae, threats of war, and Luce’s unquenchable desire for freedom.
Though Luce is surrounded by intriguing potential—her best friend is a fugitive smuggler, and the backdrop of Saint-Malo teems with mystique—the execution sometimes falls flat. The narrative’s first third drags on a bit too long, backgrounding Luce’s desires before plunging into the main action.
Themes and Characterization
This book grapples with serious themes such as class discrimination and colonialism, elegantly woven into the narrative without feeling overbearing. However, while the thematic undercurrents are thought-provoking, the characters—especially Luce—are disappointingly shallow. Her romantic entanglements overshadow her adventurous spirit, and her fluctuating focus on her love interests can feel jarring. What could have been an inspiring character arc often leaves us wanting, lacking the emotional depth that makes a heroine truly memorable.
The historical ambiance is somewhat of a mixed bag; while DeLuca demonstrates admirable research, the dialogue lacks authenticity, feeling too casual for the era. This dissonance pulls me out of the story and lessens the immersive experience I was hoping for.
Moments of Brilliance
Though many aspects of the novel frustrated me, the story’s conclusion offered some much-needed clarity, with reveals that pivot in unexpected directions. The themes of feminism, while not fully fleshed out, add a layer of depth that kept me engaged. I must also commend the richly described setting of Saint-Malo—DeLuca’s vivid imagery transports readers to the quaint streets and turbulent seas, making me wish I could wander its shores myself.
However, as I flipped through the pages, I often found myself naturally gravitating to the audiobook format, narrated by Esther Wane. Unfortunately, this experience was another letdown. Her characters felt oddly pitched, at times grating on my ears instead of drawing me into the story.
In Summary
Upon a Starlit Tide offers an ambitious melding of Cinderella and The Little Mermaid, yet struggles to fully deliver on its potential. I would encourage fans of contemporary YA or NA romances to give it a go, especially those who revel in fairytale-inspired plots. While you may find enjoyment in the romantic twists and fantasy elements, be prepared for a journey that dances between enchantment and frustration.
As I closed the book, I couldn’t shake the feeling that with a bit more character depth and stronger pacing, it could have been a truly stellar read. Perhaps, for those who indulge in light, romantic reads, this might still be a fairy tale worth exploring. I give it 2.5 stars, rounding down for the audio experience. What about you? Would this story lure you into its depths, or would you be too wary of its shallow waters?