Review: The Storm Dancer

When I received an ARC of The Storm Dancer by Valia Lind, I was eager to read a new retelling of "The Little Mermaid." This book contained the same romantic themes and strong characters that I enjoyed from her other Skazka Fairy Tales, along with some of the series' signature Russian mythology. However, the story lacks many of the elements that make "The Little Mermaid" such a dramatic and fantastical story, and doesn't incorporate enough new ones to make up for it. Thus, it is a strong love story like her other books, but not the ideal "Little Mermaid" retelling. I've seen the 1976 Russian film adaptation of "The Little Mermaid," Rusalochka, which followed the original fairy tale very closely, as well as its downright depressing Czech adaptation, Mala Morska Vila, which turned the merfolk into an aquatic species of water people like this book, but still followed the basic plot of the fairy tale.

Roksana is a Rusalka princess of an undersea kingdom. Rusalkas are a race of humans who spend most of their time in the water, though they are not described to have tails like traditional mermaids. This means they are capable of surviving on land but feel a constant pull toward the water. The Rusalkas participate in a coming-of-age tradition each year, where they are permitted to spend time on land to learn more about other cultures, similar to the "Other Walk" from The Other Kingdom series or the Amish tradition of Rumspringa. The tradition is long-rooted in the cultures of both races, and there are many misconceptions on each side. When Roksana embarks on this journey, she crosses paths with a human prince named Alexei, who decides to help her with her transition.

Though the majority of the book is about their budding relationship, Roksana and Alexei both have an ulterior motive in working together, which is to find a golden wish-granting fish. Roksana wants magic powers to go with her royal lineage, and Alexei wants to get out of a marriage alliance. However, Roksana's lack of magic and Alexei's mystery fiancée are hardly touched upon. Instead, the story is primarily a romantic comedy with all the usual tropes. Roksana pretends they are a couple to make their mutual goals easier, and Alexei has no choice but to go along with it. Luckily, he doesn't seem to mind very much since he finds Roksana irresistible from their first "meet cute."

This is a cozy story that gives off a different impression from the bittersweet vibes of "The Little Mermaid." There is virtually no conflict except for a brief scene near the end. Roksana must hardly sacrifice anything to be with Alexei. She has her voice for most of the story, aside from one obligatory reference scene, and she does not meet Alexei by saving him from a life-threatening circumstance. The book has a cutesy feel to it, especially thanks to the talking otter sidekick that follows Rosksana around. There is a lot of fun and entertaining banter between the two protagonists that makes it feel more like a romcom than a fairy tale retelling.

The Storm Dancer by Valia Lind is a charming, cozy romance that offers a fresh take on "The Little Mermaid," blending Russian mythology with a lighthearted, comedic tone. While it may not capture the dramatic essence of the original fairy tale, it shines as a sweet love story with engaging characters and witty banter. If you're looking for a feel-good romance with a touch of fantasy, this book is a delightful read, even if it doesn't fully embody the spirit of its classic inspiration.