Midnight Pearls: A Retelling of "The Little Mermaid" (Once Upon a Time)

Let me start by saying that The Little Mermaid is one of my all time favorite fairy tales (and Disney movies). I love it-- even the super sad ending. That story started my obsession with all things mermaid. A few years ago I picked up some other books in the "Once Upon a Time" series at a local library book sale. I read through them before I put them in my classroom library and thought that they were fun versions of many of my favorite fairy tales. I had no idea there was TLM book in the seriess (although it makes perfect sense). So, obviously, when I discovered this book did exist, I made it one of my summer goals to obtain a copy to read. My local book stores disappointed me with their lack of availability, but the library came through for me! I sat down a few days ago to start this book and fell head first into the "new" plot.




There are a few major differences in this version of TLM than other retellings I have found. First of all, Pearl is a mermaid living on land with no knowledge of her true identity. Add that to her relationship with her best friend (the Prince) and you already have a new tale. But it doesn't stop there... Other merfolk appear throughout the plot to really make this version do a tail-spin (pun intended).




When things started to get complicated, I realized that this would be a pretty straight forward read. I knew instantly when a few new characters appeared how things would play out. That disappointed me a bit because I had high hopes for this story, but then I realized this entire series is pretty predictable. Once I made up my mind to just read to enjoy the story, I found myself pretty happy with how things turned out. In the end, everything fit into a nice little box with a shiny bow.




Of course, making everything fit in said box made the plot a little transparent. There were so many loose ends that were quickly tied up (and in a somewhat unsatisfying way). But again, I reminded myself that I was reading this just for the new twist on a classic tale. I wasn't looking for an award winner or a new favorite mermaid book. In the end, I did manage to get a fun story (although a slightly rushed ending) that didn't take long to read. There was no deep thought or characters involved. Just a simple summer read.




If you enjoy mermaid stories, read this one for fun while you sit pool side or at the beach. You'll speed through it with ease. Do not read this book if you're looking for a break out mermaid novel that is beyond anything you've ever read before. You will be disappointed. I can safely say, however, that I enjoyed it-- but I'm glad I didn't buy the book. Another plus for the local public library!

Reader reviewed by Jo

I remember reading this book a couple of years ago, and I remember how different it was. I never read The Little Mermaid, nor have I seen it, but I did know that the Disney version was not the story that was supposely passed down.

Though lots of people I know didn't like it, I found it very interesting, and a very nice way of USING YOUR IMAGINATION, which, sadly, not a lot of people do now-a-days. I'm sad that another review perferred the Disney version, thought it isn't my business, because it was much too childish for my tastes, and it had a very broad sense of magic, which in this book, the pearls were magical, but they weren't like the triton, and controlled all seven seas. Too much power for one pitchfork if you ask me.

I would definately recommend "Midnight Pearls" to those that will appreaciated it, and use their IMAGINATION to enjoy it, and take pleasure in its little differences.

Reader reviewed by Riney

Midnight Pearls is basically a retelling of the Little Mermaid, not the disney version though.

The plot line is basically the same: theres a girl who feels awkward on land and theres another girl whos a mermaid who falls in love with a land prince.

Anyways, I didn't really find this book to be that well... convincing. It seemed like it was rushed, especially the little "battle" that the book is named after. I felt that the back cover of the book was wrong too. *shrug*