Mermaids (Mermen, too!) are intriguing mythical creatures. These human-fish hybrids make amazing main characters, but there are literally hundreds, maybe thousands, of books out there that feature our magical friends. How do you decide which paranormal novels are worth reading?
Since the waters of book finding can be murky, here are a few exceptional mermaid stories (with great reviews) for your beloved oceanie collection:
1. Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy) by Anna Banks
The first book of a 3 part series and a modern day version of the mermaid hierarchy, Of Poseidon swims its YA-loving readers into the world of a mer-prince on a mission. Galen, our main merman, seeks a girl to who can communicate with fish. However, when he finds her, he isn’t convinced that she is indeed what he’s looking for. This novel has teenagers, romance, and, of course, mermaids. What more could anyone possibly need?
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars (400+ Reviews)
Source: Amazon
2. The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen
The classic we all know and adore was revamped with stunning illustrations by Lisbeth Zwerger in October of 2015. Regardless of how well you know the story, the newest version is worth a look a and a reread!
Goodreads Rating: 4.01 Stars (500+ Reviews)
Source: Amazon
3. The Feed (The Huntswomen Trilogy) by C.M. Stunich
The opposite of a Disney mermaid, and certainly NOT for younger readers, The Feed sucks us into the dark fantasy world of mermaids. These delicate creatures must kill and eat the flesh of man, after mating with him, before they are allowed to return to the sea after their sixteenth birthdays. If the mermaids don’t succeed in this task, death is their future. Both haunting and magical, this first story in a three novel series is bound to keep you enthralled.
Amazon Rating: 4.7 Stars (15 Reviews)
Source: Amazon
4. Shearwater (Ocean Depths Series) by D.S. Murphy
Fans of the Twilight series—rejoice—here is a mermaid series made for you! This fresh take on mermaid mythology centers around a young girl as she learns there is more to herself, and humanity, than she could ever imagine. Shearwater is a story that checks off numerous genres such as fantasy, paranormal, young adult, romance, and more.
Amazon Rating: 4.6 Stars (250+ Reviews)
Source: Amazon
5. Ingo (The Ingo Chronicles Series) by Helen Dunmore
Geared towards a younger reading crowd, Ingo is the first of a series that astonishes and delights its audience. This story submerges you into the life of Sapphire, as she deals with the loss of her father. He had taught her tales of mermaids, but it isn’t until her brother starts vanishing for long periods of time that the reality of mermaids makes itself known.
Amazon Rating: 4.3 Stars (40+ Reviews)
Source: Amazon
6. The Lost Voices Trilogy by Sarah Porter
Woah—talk about a thrilling plot. These Alaskan mermaids are, in fact, abused, brutalized woman who were left to die near the ocean. They are swallowed by the ocean and turned into beautiful mermaids. This dark novel paints a picture of mermaids using their lure to drown unsuspecting humans. Mermaids and mass murder — Sounds like a great read to me!
Amazon Ratings: 3.9 Stars (130+ Reviews)
Source: Amazon
7. The Vicious Deep (The Vicious Deep Trilogy) by Zoraida Cordova
Not often are the protagonists in mermaid tales male. The Vicious Deep tells of a boy named Tristan who was swept out to sea for three days, and then left on the shores of Coney Island. He has no idea what happened in those 72 hours, but now he has emotional abilities he can’t explain, and is unknowingly the heir to an underwater kingdom. So refreshing for mermaid-lovers to have stories about male mermaids. Plus, its a trilogy as well!
Amazon Rating: 3.9 Stars (60+ Reviews)
Source: Amazon
There is a mythical mermaid for every type of sea god/goddess worshiping reader on this short list. Each book takes on life as a mermaid in a unique light, and every story is full of surprises.
Now, please excuse me while I get my fix of scale-tales!
YouTube Channel: Ariel Bissett
Featured image via Pixabay
h/t Goodreads
