The Little Mermaid is a classic fairytale that has been adapted into many books, movies and TV shows.
We have compiled this list of 10 novels featuring similar themes – including mermaids who find themselves on earth after being transformed by promises from humans or gods.
The protagonist often struggles with what it means to live in both worlds; however, they are always able to find love along their journey!
From tales that take the traditional plot and make small adjustments to become more representative, to complete reinventions with new plots and character pairings, we have featured a vast mix of magical mermaid tales to take you to a dreamy land of ethereal and captivating mythological creatures.
1. The Deep by Rivers Solomon
Rivers Solomon is an American author of speculative and literary fiction.
In The Deep, descendants of African slave women, who happen to be water-breathing, and have been tossed overboard, have built their own underwater society-and must reclaim the memories of their past to shape their future.
Solomon’s contemporary fiction novel was inspired by the Hugo Award-nominated song “The Deep” from Daveed Diggs’s rap group clipping with this tale.
Being the winner of the LAMBDA Literary LGBTQ Science Fic/Fantasy/Horror Award, this is one to add to your to-read list!
Available on Amazon.
2. Ice Massacre Volume 1 (Mermaids of Eriana Kwai) by Tiana Warner
For those looking for a F/F pairing between human and mermaid, this one is for you.
Ice Massacre is a supernatural story about indigenous people, mermaids, rebelling and more.
Tiana Warner is an LGBTQ+ author from British Columbia, Canada.
You may know Warner from her “Mermaids of Eriana Kwai” trilogy! With more themes of mystical creatures and mermaids, check out the Ice Massacre three-part series.
Available on Amazon.
3. The Witch Sea by Sarah Diemer
The witch Meriel has spent her entire life in the lighthouse on tiny Bound Island.
Upon the distant shore prowls an ancient sea god kept captive by a generations-old spell, a spell that Meriel alone must protect.
Meriel’s life has been lonely and unchanging–until the arrival of Nor.
Nor’s shape is that of a woman, but her heart belongs to the sea.
Even though Nor is also held captive by Meriel’s spell, she shows kindness to the isolated witch.
Nor sparks a passion within Meriel, defying every law that binds them both.
The Witch Sea is a free lesbian fiction short story perfect for a quick read.
Grab a copy on Amazon.
4. The Fate of Stars: A Fantasy Lesbian Romance By SD Simper
A devout mermaid. A disgraced princess. A feud as ancient as the gods.
The Fate of Stars is Book 1 in the Sea and Stars series by SD Simper.
This mermaid tale is a refreshing fantasy story featuring an enemies-to-lovers trope and a dark mysterious twist to keep you on your toes (or tail).
The Fate of Stars is available not only in paperback but in hardback and audio versions too.
Grab your copy on Amazon.
5. Salt Fish Girl by Larissa Lai
Salt Fish Girl is a mythological story combining traditional Chinese themes, myths and fairytales.
Readers say that romance is prevalent in the story, but doesn’t overshadow other beautiful themes that run through the tale.
In Salt Fish Girl, an ageless female shifts shape and form through time and place.
Told in the beguiling voice of a narrator who is a fish, snake, girl, and woman, the novel is set in nineteenth-century China and in a futuristic Pacific Northwest.
We also had to mention how cryptic and magical this beautiful cover art is!
Available on Amazon.
6. Into The Gray by Margaret Killjoy
“You’re using me,” I said.
“That might be true, but I also love you.”
One is the Lady of the Waking Waters, an immortal mermaid.
The other is a thief, who steals lives until a wish can be fulfilled, and a life-changing choice must be made, in Margaret Killjoys Tor.com Original Into the Gray.
Readers have described this female/female romance short story as ‘entrancing’ and ‘enchanting’.
Available on Amazon.
7. The Seafarers Kiss: Volume 1 by Julia Ember
Julia Ember is an author of young adult fantasy fiction, frequently writing modern depictions of classical fairytales. In theme, The Seafarers Kiss is a fantasy retelling of the classic The Little Mermaid.
Reinventing the traditional fairytale with new characters and plot lines, The Seafarers Kiss follows nineteen-year-old mermaid Ersel, learning about the life she yearns for.
Available on Amazon.
8. The Girl From The Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag
Cartoonist and writer Molly Ostertag was named one of Forbes 30 under 30 in 2020.
Their graphic novel The Girl From the Sea is a story about mermaids, featuring themes of family, first love and romance.
With coloured illustrations throughout and Amazon recommending this graphic novel for those age 12 and up, this is a great story for those of you with a younger reader in your life, looking for a mystical mermaid fairytale to read.
Available on Amazon.
9. The Secret of Mermaid Cove by Megan Derr
Megan Derr’s The Secret of Mermaid Cove is an f/f take on The Little Mermaid with a twist on the classic fairytale.
Exploring mystical mermaid culture, Mermaid Cove is full of endless beaches, glittering waters, a castle, family curses and local legends.
Paired with a romance between two women who are destined together.
Megan Derr is a queer fantasy romance writer with many contemporary, paranormal, sci-fi and fantasy titles to explore.
Available on Amazon.
10. Moon-Bright Tides by RoAnna Sylver
Concluding our list of 10 mystical mermaid tales with WLW characters is Moon-Bright Tides by RoAnna Sylver.
Sylver writes fantasy stories containing LGBTQ+ characters that often include themes that represent marginalised groups.
Riven faces her worst fear every night for years – until she meets a mermaid. Her new friend is lost, starving, and just as lonely as she is.
Following the relationship between a lonely witch and an outcast mermaid, this is a short story full of magical imagery and unique fantasy characters to fall in love with and provide great representation.
Available on Amazon.
If you enjoyed this awesome book list, then here are a few others I just know you’ll love!