Best Mermaid Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

The Little Mermaid: Against the Tide is an original novel by J. Elle, inspired by Disney's upcoming live-action movie. The story follows Ariel and her sisters as they work together to rescue their abducted sister, Mala, and uncover the truth behind their mother's death. Elle's writing style is engaging and accessible for young readers, with themes of sisterhood, leadership, and loss. The book is a great addition to the Children's Spine-Chilling Horror Books category, with its thrilling and mysterious plot. Overall, The Little Mermaid: Against the Tide is a must-read for fans of the classic fairy tale and those excited about the upcoming movie.

Skin of the Sea (Of Mermaids and Orisa) is an instant New York Times bestseller and an epic Black mermaid fantasy series that the author of Children of Blood and Bone, Nicola Yoon, calls "original." The story follows Simi, a mermaid who serves the gods by collecting the souls of those who die at sea and blessing their journeys back home. When she saves a living boy, Simi goes against an ancient decree and risks punishment from the gods. She must journey to the Supreme Creator to make amends and protect the other Mami Wata. This book is a remarkable tale of bravery, vengeful gods, treacherous lands, and legendary creatures.

To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo is a thrilling young adult debut that follows the deadly siren princess Lira and siren-hunting human prince Elian as they fight to protect their kingdoms. The well-crafted fight scenes and vivid descriptions create a world of beauty and monstrosity that will draw readers in. The imaginative and well-developed characters, along with the deft world-building, make this book a must-read for fantasy fans. The unique twist on the Little Mermaid fairy tale will keep readers engaged until the spectacular and satisfying ending.

Out of the Blue by Jason June is a heartwarming, sex-positive, and LGBTQ+ stand-alone novel that explores the theme of finding oneself and the meaning of home. The book follows Crest, a merperson who must help a human within a month to become an Elder or stay on land forever. Crest meets Sean, a human lifeguard, and agrees to help him make his ex jealous. As they spend more time together, Crest's perspective on humans changes, and they are torn between two worlds. This book is a refreshing take on a classic dating trope with a queer twist and is perfect for fans of Cemetery Boys and Deep Blue.

The sequel to the New York Times bestseller Skin of the Sea, Soul of the Deep (Of Mermaids and Orisa) is a captivating read for anyone who loves magic and mystery. The story follows Simi, who has traded away everything to save her loved ones and is now sworn to serve a new god. But when demons start appearing, it becomes clear that there are deeper consequences of her trade. With the fate of the world at stake, Simi must team up with a trickster god to stop the demons and break her promise. Soul of the Deep is a deeply satisfying dive into West African mythology and an epic adventure that will stay with readers long after they finish the book.

Breathe and Count Back from Ten is a heartwarming and empowering novel about Verónica, a Peruvian-American teen with hip dysplasia, who auditions to become a mermaid at a Central Florida theme park in the summer before her senior year. Despite her parents' disapproval, Verónica refuses to let her disability stop her from achieving her dreams. Readers will relate to Verónica's struggles as a teenager and root for her as she battles her fears and finds the strength to determine her own path. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a story about perseverance and self-discovery.

In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens is a thrilling adventure that follows Prince Tal on his coming-of-age tour. When he is kidnapped by pirates, he must rely on a mysterious stranger named Athlen to help him escape and save his family's kingdom. The book is a perfect blend of magic, romance, and action, reminiscent of The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue meets Pirates of the Caribbean. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is full of twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, In Deeper Waters is a highly enjoyable and unique addition to the Wizards & Witches Fantasy Books for Teens & Young Adults genre.

The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall is an enthralling nautical fantasy that explores the impacts of imperialism and misogyny on a diverse cast of characters. The story follows a gender nonconforming pirate named Florian and an imperial lady named Evelyn as they fall in love and strive to take control of their destinies. The book is filled with stolen memories, mermaid’s blood, witches, and haunting mythical creatures that add layers of magic and intrigue to the story. The normalization of queer and gender nonconforming characters is remarkable and praiseworthy. Overall, The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea is a strikingly original and accomplished debut that is sure to captivate readers.

A Natural History of Mermaids is a beautifully illustrated vintage album filled with descriptions and illustrations of the secret life of mermaids. The book recounts the extraordinary sea creatures witnessed by a fictional explorer on a real-life scientific expedition. Children will delight in discovering the anatomy, behavior, and lifecycles of the Merfolk and how they have hidden themselves from human discovery over millennia. The Folklore Field Guides series is a charming collection of beautifully illustrated handbooks on topics of lore and legend. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in myth, folklore, and storytelling.

The Mermaid's Tale (Volume 1) (Chronicles of the Undersea Realm) by L.E. Richmond is a Christian fantasy book for teens and young adults. The story follows Locklyn Adair, who has inherited a curse that gives her legs instead of a tail, making it impossible for her to fit in under the sea. She sends her niece to the Lost Island of Atlantis, the only place where legs are acceptable in the Undersea Realm. Locklyn joins Darin Aalto's crew, who is on a quest to find lost treasure to protect his family. The book is a tale of family curses, lost treasure, unrequited love, and a race against time. Richmond's writing is engaging and thrilling, making this book a must-read for fans of Christian fantasy books.