Here are 86 books that The Sea Rose fans have personally recommended if you like The Sea Rose. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Called to the Deep

C.W. Rose Author Of Oceansong

From my list on mermaid romantasy.

Why am I passionate about this?

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! 

C.W.'s book list on mermaid romantasy

C.W. Rose Why C.W. loves this book

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.

By Desiree M Niccoli ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Called to the Deep as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

First comes desire. Then hunger.

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…


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Book cover of The High House

The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

Book cover of Ballad of Sea and Sky

C.W. Rose Author Of Oceansong

From my list on mermaid romantasy.

Why am I passionate about this?

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! 

C.W.'s book list on mermaid romantasy

C.W. Rose Why C.W. loves this book

I loved this beautifully written, cozy fantasy romance with a unique pairing: asthmatic selkie Marina and winged siren Caspian, the fantastic chronic illness rep, and the combination of air and sea magic.

I’m also a sucker for forbidden romance, and with sirens and selkies at war, I thought it made for great conflict and tension. I have asthma as well, so I related to Marina here. As a fangirl of mythological creatures and stories, the addition of kelpies and krakens round out this story and made it a fun read for me.

I’ll definitely be looking forward to book 2!

By Madeleine Eliot ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Ballad of Sea and Sky as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A princess with an adventurer’s spirit. A pirate with a king’s obligations.

Marina has known for a long time that she doesn’t want the life her parents want for her, but when they announce her betrothal to the steady but dull captain of the guard, she reluctantly accepts her duty.

That is until an enemy siren is captured and presented to her father, and Marina can’t think of anything but amber eyes and wings.

In a twist of fate, Marina finds herself the prisoner of an enemy king in a plot to end a centuries-long war between their peoples that…


Book cover of The Teeth in the Tide

C.W. Rose Author Of Oceansong

From my list on mermaid romantasy.

Why am I passionate about this?

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! 

C.W.'s book list on mermaid romantasy

C.W. Rose Why C.W. loves this book

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!

By Rebecca F Kenney ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Teeth in the Tide as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

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…


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Book cover of The Guardian of the Palace

The Guardian of the Palace by Steven J. Morris,

The Guardian of the Palace is the first novel in a modern fantasy series set in a New York City where magic is real—but hidden, suppressed, and dangerous when exposed.

When an ancient magic begins to leak into the world, a small group of unlikely allies is forced to act…

Book cover of A Song of Silver and Gold

C.W. Rose Author Of Oceansong

From my list on mermaid romantasy.

Why am I passionate about this?

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! 

C.W.'s book list on mermaid romantasy

C.W. Rose Why C.W. loves this book

This book was such a fun, sapphic spin on The Little Mermaid! Instead of a mermaid falling for a human man, we have a siren falling for a female pirate captain. I really enjoyed the worldbuilding in both the land and undersea worlds. I thought both Aqeara and Kae were strong female leads and loved reading the story from both their POVs.

The plot was well-paced and kept me reading, always wanting to know what happened next. The ending was unexpected and ended on a cliffhanger, but I thought it led beautifully to the sequel, which is also on my TBR.

By Melissa Karibian ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Song of Silver and Gold as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A sapphic Little Mermaid retelling perfect for fans of To Kill a Kingdom and The Shadows Between Us.

Out in the open sea, it's kill or be killed. No one knows that better than Kaelyn. For the past year, Princess Kaelyn of Avalon has disguised herself as a man, Captain Kae, and led her crew into tumultuous waters to eradicate sirens on a journey fueled by revenge for the death of her brother. When they return home and experience a fatal siren attack on Avalon’s harbor, Kae sets sail again to destroy the sea demons once and for all.

Aqeara…


Book cover of The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea

A.E. Ross Author Of Run in the Blood

From my list on queer swashbuckling.

Why am I passionate about this?

Two things I absolutely loved growing up: fantasy novels and history. Swashbuckling pirate stories are like a fantastic combination of both, and the way that the age of sail touched all corners of the world creates an opportunity for so many different kinds of stories to be told through this lens. As a queer writer, my passion is writing the kind of stories I loved as a child. As a trans adult, I find joy in making the next generations feel comfortable in their own skin. Living in Vancouver, B.C. I write novels and animated television, and I also co-host a podcast about advertising called Ad Creeps

A.E.'s book list on queer swashbuckling

A.E. Ross Why A.E. loves this book

I can’t help it, I am an absolute sucker for a girl dressing up as a boy. It’s a classic trope in lesbian fiction, and while it’s reminiscent of trans masculine narratives, it’s also a fantastical reflection of butch/femme dynamics, and these two things can co-exist in the literary world. Flora/Florian is a really special protagonist, and her relationship with Evelyn is as exciting as the overall story. Tokuda-Hall has clearly had so much fun weaving in a variety of fantasy elements, throwing us mermaids, witches, pirates, and, of course, the Sea. 

By Maggie Tokuda-Hall ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In a world divided by colonialism and threaded with magic, a desperate orphan turned pirate and a rebellious imperial lady find a connection on the high seas.
Aboard the pirate ship Dove, Flora the girl takes on the identity of Florian the man to earn the respect and protection of the crew. For Flora, former starving urchin, the brutal life of a pirate is about survival: don't trust, don't stick out, and don't feel. But on this voyage, Flora is drawn to the Lady Evelyn Hasegawa, who is headed to an arranged marriage she dreads. Flora doesn't expect to be…


Book cover of Emerge

Jacqueline E. Smith Author Of Cemetery Tours

From my list on supernatural books to read all year long.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an independent author, photographer, wildlife advocate, paranormal enthusiast, and cat mom living in Dallas, Texas. In 2012, I earned my Master's Degree in Art and Performance from the University of Texas at Dallas and have been pursuing my writing career ever since. I published my first book, Cemetery Tours, in 2013 and it will forever be the book that changed my life.

Jacqueline's book list on supernatural books to read all year long

Jacqueline E. Smith Why Jacqueline loves this book

This is another book about supernatural beings of the sea, but this time, it’s all about mermaids! Emerge is the first in a young adult trilogy that follows the modern-day descendants of The Little Mermaid. Author Tobie Easton has absolutely mastered the art of world-building and I would absolutely love to see her underwater kingdom brought to life one day. 

By Tobie Easton ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Emerge as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

Lia Nautilus may be a Mermaid but she's never lived in the ocean. War has ravaged the seven seas ever since the infamous Little Mermaid unleashed a curse that stripped Mer of their immortality. Lia has grown up in a secret community of land-dwelling Mer hidden among Malibu's seaside mansions. Her biggest problems are surviving P.E. and keeping her feelings for Clay Ericson in check. Sure, he's gorgeous in that cocky, leather jacket sort of way and makes her feel like there's a school of fish swimming in her stomach, but getting involved with a human could put Lia's entire…


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Book cover of Oaky With a Hint of Murder

Oaky With a Hint of Murder by Dawn Brotherton,

Aury and Scott travel to the Finger Lakes in New York’s wine country to get to the bottom of the mysterious happenings at the Songscape Winery. Disturbed furniture and curious noises are one thing, but when a customer winds up dead, it’s time to dig into the details and see…

Book cover of Oona

Emily Neilson Author Of Can I Give You a Squish?

From my list on underwater books for your little sea monster.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am writing this list because I am a sea monster. I’m the sort of sea monster who loves merpeople, pirates, sharks, dolphins, octopuses, shipwrecks, and…did I miss anything? Oh yes, piranhas. Some people have pointed out that I look like a regular adult human, but really it’s just a trick of the light. I like to make stories, draw pictures, and build miniature environments for stop motion animated films. My typical day is spent gluing miniature flowers to miniature rocks, or screwing miniature chairs to miniature floors. It’s the sort of job that makes you feel like magic is around every corner. Because it is, probably.

Emily's book list on underwater books for your little sea monster

Emily Neilson Why Emily loves this book

It’s impossible not to fall head over heels in love with the little mermaid explorer Oona and her sea otter friend Otto. The adorable duo was created by illustrator Raissa Figueroa who has this amazing ability to make all her characters completely irresistible and her environments rich with atmospheric colors and magical details. I can’t wait to see what adventures Oona and Otto go on next!

By Kelly DiPucchio , Raissa Figueroa (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Oona as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

This comical and heartfelt picture book is a winning celebration of invention, creativity, and friendship. With gorgeous underwater scenes and a crowd-pleasing tale, this is one little mermaid who is here to make a splash!

New York Times bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner Raissa Figueroa would like to introduce Oona-the big wide sea's littlest mischief-maker.

Oona and her best friend Otto love to search for treasure...and often find trouble instead.

Messy trouble.

Tricky trouble.

Even shark-related trouble.

That's never stopped them before, though!

After all, no proper treasure hunt is without some adventure. But…


Book cover of Julian Is a Mermaid

Beth Cox Author Of All Bodies Are Wonderful: An Inclusive Guide to talking about you!

From my list on embracing who you are.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an inclusion consultant working with publishers to help ensure all children are included in books. It’s easy to forget how important embracing all types of bodies is when thinking about diversity and inclusion. But inclusion is essentially about welcoming and appreciating all different types of bodies. The best way to promote this is to build a sense of awe about how bodies are created, understand the science behind why differences occur, and see that bodies come in many shapes and forms, and are all beautiful. There are so many books that can help with this, but alongside my book, the books on this list are a great place to start.

Beth's book list on embracing who you are

Beth Cox Why Beth loves this book

This book is a joyful celebration of being a child and exploring your interests, without feeling bound by the constraints of expectations, gendered or otherwise. Books like these help our children to see that it’s okay to explore who they are, and model to adults how you can positively accept that exploration (rather than fear it). 

By Jessica Love ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Julian Is a Mermaid as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

A glimpse of three women dressed as mermaids leaves one boy filled with wonder and ready to dazzle the world.

"Every choice Jessica Love makes imbues the story with charm, tenderness and humor" New York TImes Book Review

While riding the subway home with his Nana one day, Julian notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train carriage. When Julian gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies and making his own fabulous…


Book cover of Song of Destiny

Tricia Copeland Author Of To be a Fae Queen

From my list on Indie Fantasy books with creative spins.

Why am I passionate about this?

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.

Tricia's book list on Indie Fantasy books with creative spins

Tricia Copeland Why Tricia loves this book

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.

By Kris Faryn ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Song of Destiny as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

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.…


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Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Book cover of The Girl in the Flammable Skirt: Stories

Gail Vida Hamburg Author Of Small Worlds

From my list on fast fiction that linger longer than novels.

Why am I passionate about this?

After writing two expansive novels—The Edge of the World, about lives spanning six decades, and Liberty Landing, a contemporary novel rooted in the arc of American history—I found myself drawn to something smaller. Not smaller in meaning or scope, but in form. I wanted to experiment with the art of compression in storytelling. I was inspired by a microfiction written by novelist Joyce Carol Oates—The Widow’s First Year, which reads: “I kept myself alive.” Eight words. A complete universe of sorrow, endurance, resilience, and time. It stunned me. As I began to write Small Worlds, I was compelled to study fast fiction with the sharpest forensic tools.

Gail's book list on fast fiction that linger longer than novels

Gail Vida Hamburg Why Gail loves this book

Before I began to write my own cycle of flash fiction and microfiction, I decided to study virtuosos of the form. Bender’s book was my first encounter with fast fiction. Her surreal, emotionally raw flashes and short-shorts walk a tightrope between the absurd and the profound. Her characters often exist in dreamlike states—wearing prosthetic arms, dating monsters, or grieving through magical realism. These compact stories don’t just surprise; they haunt.

As a novelist who leans towards conventional storytelling, I found this book foundational for taking risks to be weird and brief.

By Aimee Bender ,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked The Girl in the Flammable Skirt as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In The Girl in the Flammable Skirt Aimee Bender has created a world where nothing is quite as it seems. From a man suffering from reverse evolution to a lonely wife who waits for her husband to return from war; to a small town where one girl has a hand made of fire and another has one made of ice. These stories of men and women whose lives are shaped and sometimes twisted by the power of extraordinary desires take us to a place far beyond the imagination.


Book cover of Called to the Deep
Book cover of Ballad of Sea and Sky
Book cover of The Teeth in the Tide

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5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in mermaids, nobility, and the Renaissance?

Mermaids 58 books
Nobility 89 books
The Renaissance 100 books