Enchanting Books About Mermaids, Sirens, and Sea Creatures
For centuries, tales of mermaids have enchanted us. From Hans Christian Andersen’s children’s fairytales to Alexandra Christo’s TikTok sensation, To Kill a Kingdom, these magical creatures continue to beguile readers. Perhaps it’s the mystery of the deep blue sea. Or maybe it’s the lure of a magical kingdom that lies in the depths of the ocean. Whatever it is that has us hypnotized, it’s safe to say mermaids will forever have a place in literature. From vengeful sirens to fresh retellings of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, here are a few enchanting mermaid and maritime reads to dive into next.
-
1
Add to BookshelfSkin of the Sea
by Natasha Bowen
An instant New York Times bestseller and NPR Book of the Year, this thought-provoking fantasy follows Simi, a mermaid tasked with collecting the souls of those who died at sea. One day, she saves a boy from drowning and must now face the wrath of the gods. With cinematic world-building and a layered heroine you can’t help but root for, this epic blends West African history into an immersive adventure with themes of duty, love, and sacrifice.
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$12.99Buy from Other Retailers:
-
2
Add to Bookshelf
Part of Your World
by Liz Braswell
Disney’s The Little Mermaid is reimagined with an alternate ending! Five years after she failed to defeat Ursula, Ariel is now the voiceless queen ruling Atlantica. When a rumor spreads that her father, King Triton, might still be alive, she makes it her mission to find out if it’s true, and finds herself in a world she never thought she’d return to. This enchanting book in the Twisted Tale series breathes new life into iconic characters from the beloved movie. It masterfully explores a “what if” scenario that’s layered with depth and intrigue.
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$13.99Buy from Other Retailers:
-
3
Add to Bookshelf
The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea
by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
Step inside a magical world filled with mermaids, witches, and pirates! Lady Evelyn Hasegawa is a rebellious imperial daughter sent away to meet her future husband, a man she’s never met. Florian is a desperate orphan-turned-pirate tasked with watching over her. When the unlikely pair falls in love, they decide to follow their hearts and take destiny into their own hands, abandoning the rules they’ve lived by all their lives. With vivid world-building, high stakes, and a diverse cast, this forbidden love story is packed with action and adventure that’ll keep you hooked from start to finish.
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$10.99Buy from Other Retailers:
-
4
Add to Bookshelf
The Mermaid of Black Conch
by Monique Roffey
Winner of the Costa Book of the Year Award, this poetic, mythical fantasy follows David, a lonely fisherman who rescues Aycayia, a cursed mermaid, and hides her from tourists hunting her. Hidden in his home, Aycayia slowly transforms back into a human, but must learn to navigate her new body and the island’s dangers. As time passes, David and Aycayia fall in love. Based on TaĂno legends, this story explores the dangerous repercussions of colonialism and toxic masculinity while unfolding a tender romance.
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$17.00Buy from Other Retailers:
-
5
Add to Bookshelf
The Jellyfish Problem
by Tessa Yang
Dr. Jo Ness prefers jellyfish to people. Her best friend, Aldo, was the exception, but he died seven months ago. She receives a call from Nadia, one of the few other humans she’s loved but whom she hasn’t heard from in years, asking for her help. Nadia tells her a grand tale of a giant jellyfish terrorizing her tiny island off the coast of Maine and sends a grainy video of the creature. Frankly, the footage looks fake, but Jo drops everything to fly across the country to see Nadia again and to find this supposed sea beast. She couldn’t save Aldo, but perhaps she can help Nadia. The Jellyfish Problem is an ode to classic sea monster stories and a vibrant tale of human connection.
Add to BookshelfHardcover
$30.00Preorder from:
-
6
Add to Bookshelf
Dirty Lying Sirens
by Sabrina Blackburry
Maddie’s life has never been easy. After growing up in the foster system, she endures a series of bad relationships — until she finally hits rock bottom and loses her job. Enter Caspian, a mysterious and enthralling stranger who seems to understand her in a way no one else ever has. Then he tells her the truth: He’s from Atlantis, and she’s a siren who lost her voice and her gift. All her life, the sea has called to her. Now, with Caspian’s help, she begins to discover her true home in the world. Brimming with magic and romantic moments, this powerful story of self-discovery is perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout and Tricia Levenseller.
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
-
7
Add to Bookshelf
The Mermaid
by Christina Henry
The Little Mermaid meets The Greatest Showman in this historical fantasy from the national bestselling author of Alice and Lost Boys. Amelia is a mermaid who dreams of a life beyond the sea. P. T. Barnum is a showman willing to do anything for the success of his traveling circus. When Amelia agrees to join his show, her popularity quickly rises — but she soon realizes Barnum will do anything to keep his most popular attraction. Captivating and magical, Henry puts a fresh twist on a classic fairy tale.
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$17.00Buy from Other Retailers:
-
8
Add to Bookshelf
The Little Mermaid: Against the Tide
by J. Elle
From the New York Times bestselling author of Wings of Ebony comes a prequel to the Disney live-action reimagining. Ariel and her sisters’ relationship has been strained since their mother’s death. When her sister Mala is kidnapped, they must band together to discover what happened. As they navigate the perilous seas, they also uncover secrets surrounding their mother’s mysterious fate, and Ariel begins to learn what it truly means to be a good sister and leader. Get ready to be swept away by this high-stakes mystery featuring beloved characters from the film.
Add to BookshelfHardcover
$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
-
9
Add to Bookshelf
A Duet with the Siren Duke
by Elise Kova
The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and The Little Mermaid come together in this slow-burning, enemies-to-lovers romantasy. Desperate to escape her dangerous marriage, Victoria strikes a risky bargain with Ilryth, the Siren Duke. Five years later, he returns to collect — and Victoria is taken to the magical Eversea, where she learns she’s meant to be sacrificed to save the sirens’ world. Refusing to give up, she strikes a new deal with the Siren Duke: He’ll help save her family, and she will fulfill her part of the bargain. Soon, passion grows between Ilryth and Victoria, but can their forbidden love stand the test of fate? Sweet and full of emotions, Victoria and Ilryth’s story will have you hooked until the end.
Add to BookshelfBuy from Other Retailers:
-
10
Add to Bookshelf
The Siren’s Lament
by Jun'Ichiro Tanizaki
Celebrated author Jun’ichirō Tanizaki delivers three dazzling short stories that weave together Japanese and Chinese mythologies. The darker side of desire is explored throughout the collection, especially in “The Siren’s Lament,” where a young prince becomes obsessed with a mournful mermaid kidnapped by a traveling Dutchman. From one of the most prominent figures in modern Japanese literature, this new translation by Bryan Karetnyk offers a wonderful introduction to Tanizaki’s work.
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$17.95Buy from Other Retailers:
-
11
Add to Bookshelf
Tentacles & Triathlons
by Ashley Bennett
A grumpy/sunshine queer romance with elements of found family? Yes, please! Determined to win his upcoming triathlon, grumpy park ranger Reece Rollins enlists the help of Cyrus, a charming kraken, to improve his swimming skills. As they train, unexpected sparks fly — but can Reece and Cyrus let their guard down and listen to their hearts? Sweet with just the right amount of spice, this romance is sure to delight fans of C.M. Nascosta and Kate Prior.
Add to BookshelfPaperback
$19.00Preorder from:
