Here are 81 books that Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea fans have personally recommended if you like
Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea.
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From early childhood, I escaped into nature when times got tough—climbing trees, exploring the woods, and chatting with beach creatures. When I had to be indoors, books were my escape, and most of my favorites had rich nature settings that were so well-drawn that I could see them and feel like I was actually there. Following strong protagonists as they deal with life challenges by interacting with nature was an affirmation for me and still is. As a parent and former fifth-grade teacher, I’ve witnessed the power that books have to lessen loneliness and inspire hope and activism.
King thinks his deceased brother has returned as a dragonfly and visits him in the bayou area where he hangs out. I love books with hints of magic in them, especially when they show up in nature, and I couldn’t help but root for King. Even as he struggles, he is sweet and empathetic and worries about others as much as he worries about himself.
Friends and family are fully developed; nobody is all good or all bad. The teacher in me appreciates King’s story as a great discussion starter and empathy-builder, as well as an engaging plot. Witnessing the triumph of an underdog never gets old for me.
Winner of the 2020 National Book Award for Young People's Literature!
Winner of the 2020 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction and Poetry!
In a small but turbulent Louisiana town, one boy's grief takes him beyond the bayous of his backyard, to learn that there is no right way to be yourself.
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Twelve-year-old Kingston James is sure his brother Khalid has turned into a dragonfly. When Khalid unexpectedly passed away, he shed what was his first skin for another to live…
Twelve-year-old identical twins Ellie and Kat accidentally trigger their physicist mom’s unfinished time machine, launching themselves into a high-stakes adventure in 1970 Chicago. If they learn how to join forces and keep time travel out of the wrong hands, they might be able find a way home. Ellie’s gymnastics and…
From early childhood, I escaped into nature when times got tough—climbing trees, exploring the woods, and chatting with beach creatures. When I had to be indoors, books were my escape, and most of my favorites had rich nature settings that were so well-drawn that I could see them and feel like I was actually there. Following strong protagonists as they deal with life challenges by interacting with nature was an affirmation for me and still is. As a parent and former fifth-grade teacher, I’ve witnessed the power that books have to lessen loneliness and inspire hope and activism.
Ware skips summer camp and hangs out in an abandoned church on a forgotten lot. But he stumbles upon Jolene, a nature-loving girl who is also hiding out there. Both characters have different ideas about how to co-exist (or not!), and I couldn’t wait to see how it all played out.
I love stories that center around reimagining or rebuilding something old, decayed, or discarded, as this one does. I also love this book’s layers as we watch how the characters change as they transform their hidden sanctuary. This inspiring book grapples with the pain of keeping secrets and the power and hope that come when we share them with another.
From the author of the highly acclaimed, New York Times bestselling novel Pax comes a gorgeous and moving middle grade novel that is an ode to introverts, dreamers, and misfits everywhere.
Ware can’t wait to spend summer “off in his own world”—dreaming of knights in the Middle Ages and generally being left alone. But then his parents sign him up for dreaded Rec camp, where he must endure Meaningful Social Interaction and whatever activities so-called “normal” kids do.
On his first day Ware meets Jolene, a tough, secretive girl planting a garden in the rubble of an abandoned church next…
From early childhood, I escaped into nature when times got tough—climbing trees, exploring the woods, and chatting with beach creatures. When I had to be indoors, books were my escape, and most of my favorites had rich nature settings that were so well-drawn that I could see them and feel like I was actually there. Following strong protagonists as they deal with life challenges by interacting with nature was an affirmation for me and still is. As a parent and former fifth-grade teacher, I’ve witnessed the power that books have to lessen loneliness and inspire hope and activism.
I fall hard for girl protagonists who are into science, and Addie is no exception. I love the science vs. magic theme, with Addie investigating her deceased brother’s belief in a magical creature that lives in the lake where he drowned.
The book has a mystery vibe that grabbed me from the get-go, and Addie’s courageous environmental investigations (diving into that murky lake!) are riveting. Rich language, thought-provoking themes, and big questions make this an engaging and important book for middle-grade readers.
Twelve-year-old Addie should avoid Maple Lake. After all, her twin brother Amos drowned there only a few months ago. But its crisp, clear water runs in her veins, and the notebook Amos left behind, filled with clues about a mysterious creature in the lake's inky-blue depths, keeps calling her back. She never took Amos seriously when he was alive, but doesn't she owe it to him to figure out, once and for all, if there's really something out there? When she's offered a Young Scientist position studying the lake for the summer, Addie accepts, yearning for the cool wind in…
Twelve-year-old identical twins Ellie and Kat accidentally trigger their physicist mom’s unfinished time machine, launching themselves into a high-stakes adventure in 1970 Chicago. If they learn how to join forces and keep time travel out of the wrong hands, they might be able find a way home. Ellie’s gymnastics and…
From early childhood, I escaped into nature when times got tough—climbing trees, exploring the woods, and chatting with beach creatures. When I had to be indoors, books were my escape, and most of my favorites had rich nature settings that were so well-drawn that I could see them and feel like I was actually there. Following strong protagonists as they deal with life challenges by interacting with nature was an affirmation for me and still is. As a parent and former fifth-grade teacher, I’ve witnessed the power that books have to lessen loneliness and inspire hope and activism.
Zippy feels out of sync with friends and family, so she retreats to Red’s Farm to sit by the creek and conjure up some magic. I totally connected with this girl since I did the same thing as a kid…the escape to nature, that is, not so much the magic!
Zippy’s story is endearing and full of wonder. Spunky, intelligent, and thoughtful girls always win my heart, especially when big challenges put these attributes to the test. I loved following Zippy as she worked to solve the mysteries of herself and her world. Oh—and Zippy’s voice is…well, bewitching.
A young girl preparing for her bat mitzvah discovers she has mysterious abilities in this magical contemporary coming-of-age story from the beloved author of Orphan Island.
Hi, whoever is reading this. I’m Zipporah Chava McConnell, but everyone calls me Zippy.
Things used to be simple—until a few weeks ago. Now my best friend, Bea, is acting funny; everyone at school thinks I’m weird; and my mom is making me start preparing for my bat mitzvah, even though we barely ever go to synagogue. In fact, the only thing that still seems to make sense is magic.
I’m an American-born Chinese fantasy and romance author who has been obsessed with the sea and mermaids since I was a little girl, the latter which started after I saw the animated The Little Mermaid. I’ve always wondered what mysteries lay beneath the sea. I’m also a certified scuba diver and lifeguard, and a strong swimmer. I was never afraid of deep water, and sometimes I think I was a mermaid (or probably a fish) in a past life. If you also love mermaids and romantasy, or even better, both together, I really hope you find your next favorite read on here and enjoy them as much as I have!
I really enjoyed this book for so many reasons! The small-town coastal Maine setting was so atmospheric, and the author pulled you right into the setting. The mystery at the start of the book was very well done as to who Lorelei really is.
I absolutely adored the romance between her and Killian! Their chemistry was palpable, and they had healthy, mature communication with one another. I also loved how supportive Killian was toward her. I also really liked and related to Lorelei and her struggle to fit between two worlds and coming to accept who she is: a mermaid who craves flesh and blood—and I thought it was a great twist on traditional mermaid lore.
When Killian Quinn, captain of offshore fishing boat Dawn Chaser, receives a distress call from a sailing ship caught in a terrible storm, he and his crew rush to provide aid. But when they arrive, all that’s left of the ship and its crew is splintered wood and a borderline hypothermic woman who can’t remember how she survived. His attraction to her is instantaneous, and maintaining a professional distance proves to be a struggle, especially when she needs a place to stay that’s far from the press and curious townsfolk, and his idyllic cottage by…
I’ve always loved magic and pirates. As I kid, I made up games incorporating the two. As a teenager, I wanted to read about them. But at the time, I couldn’t find anything that had both pirates and magic, so I decided to write one myself. As the years blurred past and the young adult book scene exploded, more and more books with pirates and magic have been published and of course, I try to read them all! I read them not only to study books similar to my own, but because I love them and I can’t get enough.
All The Stars & Teeth is everything I want in a seafaring adventure, with pirates, mermaids, sea monsters, and a world with seven unique types of magic – including blood magic.
Plus, a feisty and flawed female main character who will stop at nothing to save her kingdom. The world is lush and vibrant, the found family vibes give you all the feels, and the slow burn enemies to lovers is full of banter and tension.
Plus, it’s a duology so when you’re sad the book has ended, have no fear because the next one will be waiting for you!
“Fierce and unrelenting…Do yourself a favor and get lost in this beautiful book!” — Tomi Adeyemi, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Children of Blood and Bone
Set in a kingdom where danger lurks beneath the sea, mermaids seek vengeance with song, and magic is a choice, Adalyn Grace’s All the Stars and Teeth is a thrilling fantasy for fans of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval and Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series.
She will reign.
As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer—the master of souls. The rest…
I’m an American-born Chinese fantasy and romance author who has been obsessed with the sea and mermaids since I was a little girl, the latter which started after I saw the animated The Little Mermaid. I’ve always wondered what mysteries lay beneath the sea. I’m also a certified scuba diver and lifeguard, and a strong swimmer. I was never afraid of deep water, and sometimes I think I was a mermaid (or probably a fish) in a past life. If you also love mermaids and romantasy, or even better, both together, I really hope you find your next favorite read on here and enjoy them as much as I have!
I was immediately sold by the concept of this book: a sweet romantasy about noblemen and women who were descendents of merfolk but lived on land, and as society’s outcasts.
There were three POVs and it’s a short read, but yet, I found that the author seamlessly weaved them together and wrote them beautifully, and with such depth. Half-mer Meredith’s story both broke and warmed my heart. Human noble Peter and half-mermaid Rose have such a sweet childhood friends-to-lovers romance that seems so fitting for the time period. Finally, I loved that all of our characters are forced out of their comfort zones, and stumble their way into finding who they really are.
I found this to be a beautiful story of romance, survival, and identity.
For centuries, the land-bound descendants of Merpeople have been confined to hidden districts where they will not disturb proper society.
When Peter, Earl of Everly, flees his engagement ball, he finds himself stranded among the half-Mer. Will he encounter hostility from society’s outcasts, or could they be hiding something he’s always sought?
Rejected by Lord Everly, Lady Meredith Bannister’s future is dark. Burdened with the secret of her heritage, can she embrace her identity before it is taken by force?
This story was previously published on Kindle Vella. Some modifications have been made, but it is the same story, edited…
I’ve been obsessed with fantasy since my grandmother bought me the entire Dorothy and the Land of Oz series as a kid. I love discovering new types of fantasy characters, spins on characters, new lore in genres, and mythology woven in creative ways. For my fantasy group, I’ve researched many interpretations of fae, witches, elves, vampires, and shapeshifters. I’m always looking to add to my list, and I love finding Indie authors new to their niche. I feel so privileged to interview many authors like these and Jennifer L. Armentrout (squeal) for my podcast, The Finding the Magic Book Podcast. I hope you love these books as much as I did.
This book spins two genres I love together: mythology and urban fantasy. Characters must be likable, even lovable, for me to get into a book, and Korrina definitely is that!
I haven’t read many Siren books, but Korrina's story and plight drew me in. I became endeared to her and her band of friends quickly. I loved how the author hides secrets within layers of the story and twists of the plot. These discoveries kept me turning pages.
My voice kills. His touch silences my song. Together we'll either save the world...
Or destroy it.
I once believed sirens had mermaid tails, crustacean companions, and you know...weren’t real.
How wrong I was.
Turns out sirens have wings, a talking owl spirit guide, and are very, very real.
Not only that, they’re cursed with wings to soar the skies, searching for the lost goddess Persephone, because it was their fault she was kidnapped by Hades.
My family’s fault.
Centuries later, only a few sirens remain. And apparently I’m the one destined to break the curse to save them all.…
I’m an American-born Chinese fantasy and romance author who has been obsessed with the sea and mermaids since I was a little girl, the latter which started after I saw the animated The Little Mermaid. I’ve always wondered what mysteries lay beneath the sea. I’m also a certified scuba diver and lifeguard, and a strong swimmer. I was never afraid of deep water, and sometimes I think I was a mermaid (or probably a fish) in a past life. If you also love mermaids and romantasy, or even better, both together, I really hope you find your next favorite read on here and enjoy them as much as I have!
This book had such a strong pitch: Attack on Titan with mermaids.
I loved that the characters had strong motivations: our female protagonist, human Kestra, wants revenge on the merfolk for killing and devouring her father. Our male protagonist, merman Rake, wants to escape his life as a breeder male so that he can raise his son in peace.
I loved the writing and felt immersed in the underwater world, and life on Kestra’s island village. I also enjoyed reading about Rake and his son when they escape to the surface, and try to find their place in the world.
This was the first time I had heard of this author, and I enjoyed her work so much that I went on to read more of her books!
This new 'Extended Edition' of "The Teeth in the Tide" contains the full, open-door, intimate scenes between characters, plus the first chapter of the sequel, "The Demons in the Deep," at the very end. Otherwise, the content is exactly the same as the previous edition, which only had fade-to-black intimate scenes.
Trapped on a walled island with her people, Kestra aches for vengeance against the swarms of ravenous mermaids that ate her father fifteen years ago. The swarms threaten her town’s last supply ship--and the life of the brave young captain who smiles so charmingly at her whenever he makes…
When I was a kid, my father bought a boat, a Boston Whaler. It wasn’t all that big, but it was enough to take our family of six out on the Pacific Ocean—to Catalina Island, and to some of the smaller and uninhabited islands off the California coast. With flashlights, we explored Channel Island sea caves, listening to the echoing barks of hidden sea lions bouncing off the cavern walls. We snorkeled in the clear waters off Catalina—past schools of fish, manta rays, and dolphins. It was magical. It’s been years since I’ve lived anywhere near the ocean, but I’ve never forgotten the adventures we had, especially the encounters with the captivating creatures of the sea.
The sea teems with enchanting creatures in this heartbreakingly lyrical middle-grade novel: redfish and electric eels and speckled trout, cabbage heads and jellyfish and flounders…and merfolk.
When everything goes wrong for ten-year-old Keeper on the day of a blue moon, she goes searching for her mother, who swam away and disappeared when Keeper was three. She must have been a mermaid, Keeper thinks. Why else would she have left? They say that mermaids gather at the sandbar on nights of a blue moon, and Keeper knows her mother can set things right. So she sets off in a small rowboat, late at night, to find her.
This story is luminous. I love the sense of longing, the sense that the world of the Mer lives cheek by jowl beside the world in which floors must be swept and meals must be cooked and cleaned up after. You have a sense…
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What is this book about?
Newbery Medal Honoree Kathi Appelt enchants with a tale about mermaids, mermen, and what happens when you believe in fairy tales for too long.
Keeper was born in the ocean, and she believes she is part mermaid. So when she accidentally sets off a series of disasters, she goes out looking for her mother—an unpredictable and uncommonly gorgeous woman who swam away when Keeper was three. Keeper heads right for the ocean, right for the sandbar where mermaids are known to gather on full moon nights. But her boat is too small for the surf—and much too small for the…
