The Mermaid Witch's Song: Ancient Melodies for Ritual and Ceremony

A mermaid witch is a mythical creature that combines the essence of a mermaid and a witch. This hybrid being possesses both the enchanting beauty and allure of a mermaid and the magical powers and abilities of a witch. The concept of a mermaid witch has been depicted in various folklore and literature throughout history, captivating the imaginations of many. In terms of appearance, a mermaid witch typically has the upper body of a human, resembling a witch, with long flowing hair and hypnotic eyes. However, instead of legs, they have a fish-like tail, reminiscent of a mermaid. This unique physical combination sets them apart from both witches and mermaids, creating an intriguing and mystical character.

Both Florian and Evelyn have lived their lives by the rules, and whims, of others. But when they fall in love, they decide to take fate into their own hands—no matter the cost.

But Evelyn s one-way voyage to an arranged marriage in the Floating Islands is interrupted when the captain and crew show their true colors and enslave their wealthy passengers. He is called the Sea-God Oannes or Ea , the great fish of the ocean, who was also the Sun-God, seen rising from out of the ocean each day and disappearing again back beneath the waves each night.

This unique physical combination sets them apart from both witches and mermaids, creating an intriguing and mystical character. The powers and abilities of a mermaid witch vary depending on the source. Just like witches, they are often associated with elemental magic, such as control over water, air, fire, and earth.

The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea

The pirate Florian, born Flora, has always done whatever it takes to survive—including sailing under false flag on the Dove as a marauder, thief, and worse. Lady Evelyn Hasegawa, a highborn Imperial daughter, is on board as well—accompanied by her own casket. But Evelyn’s one-way voyage to an arranged marriage in the Floating Islands is interrupted when the captain and crew show their true colors and enslave their wealthy passengers.

Both Florian and Evelyn have lived their lives by the rules, and whims, of others. But when they fall in love, they decide to take fate into their own hands—no matter the cost.

Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s sweeping fantasy debut, full of stolen memories, illicit mermaid’s blood, double agents, and haunting mythical creatures conjures an extraordinary cast of characters and the unforgettable story of a couple striving to stay together in the face of myriad forces wishing to control their identities and destinies.

About The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea

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.

The pirate Florian, born Flora, has always done whatever it takes to survive—including sailing under false flag on the Dove as a marauder, thief, and worse. Lady Evelyn Hasegawa, a highborn Imperial daughter, is on board as well—accompanied by her own casket. But Evelyn’s one-way voyage to an arranged marriage in the Floating Islands is interrupted when the captain and crew show their true colors and enslave their wealthy passengers.

Both Florian and Evelyn have lived their lives by the rules, and whims, of others. But when they fall in love, they decide to take fate into their own hands—no matter the cost.

Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s sweeping fantasy debut, full of stolen memories, illicit mermaid’s blood, double agents, and haunting mythical creatures conjures an extraordinary cast of characters and the unforgettable story of a couple striving to stay together in the face of myriad forces wishing to control their identities and destinies.

Also by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

Also by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

Product Details

Category: Teen & Young Adult Fantasy Fiction | Teen & Young Adult Fiction | Teen & Young Adult Action & Adventure

Paperback | $10.99
Published by Candlewick
May 10, 2022 | 368 Pages | 6 x 9 | Young Adult | ISBN 9781536215892

Category: Teen & Young Adult Fantasy Fiction | Teen & Young Adult Fiction | Teen & Young Adult Romance

Hardcover | $19.99
Published by Candlewick
May 05, 2020 | 368 Pages | 6 x 9 | Young Adult | ISBN 9781536204315

Stormbreak

Untethered

The Forbidden Wish

The Afterward

The Camelot Betrayal

House of Dragons

Lady Knight

Traitor to the Throne

A Queen of Gilded Horns

A Poison Dark and Drowning (Kingdom on Fire, Book Two)

Praise

Careful prose juxtaposes gentleness and brutality, contrasting the tender emotions between Flora/Florian and Evelyn and the violence of a pirate’s life. Set against the backdrop of colonial expansion, this nautical fantasy goes beyond mere swashbuckling to examine the impacts of imperialism and misogyny on a diverse cast of varying ethnicities, sexualities, and gender identities. Witches, mermaids, and secret operatives add layers of magic and intrigue to the queer romance at the heart of this book…Absolutely enthralling.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

This intriguing premise blooms into an enchanting, complex tale that explores politics, piracy and the magic of storytelling itself…Queer and gender nonconforming characters are everywhere, and their normalization within the world of the book is remarkable and praiseworthy. A strikingly original and accomplished debut, The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea reads like an undiscovered classic with impressively modern flair.
—BookPage (starred review)

Maggie Tokuda-Hall (Also an Octopus) has crafted a brooding, magical adventure with a healthy dose of intrigue. Her prose is delightful, by turns delicate and brutal, as her plot demands. At the heart of this tale about learning when to stand out and when to blend in, lies the importance, imparted by first mate Rake, of "know[ing] your truth, not your story."
—Shelf Awareness for Readers (starred review)

“The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea will take you on the journey of a lifetime. Maggie Tokuda-Hall has created characters I’ve never seen before, then put them in an adventure that feels more real than real life and twice as unpredictable. I wanted to live in the world of this book forever, and I can’t stop obsessing about the rich tapestry of pirates, mermaids, witches, and conniving nobles who inhabit it. The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea might just remind you of why you fell in love with adventure in the first place and change how you think about the genre forever. I envy anyone who’s getting to experience this incredible book for the first time.”
—Charlie Jane Anders, author of the Nebula Award–winning novel All the Birds in the Sky

“An utterly romantic and breathless adventure that wouldn’t let me sleep until I’d devoured every last word. It’s a journey of love, magic, and self-discovery unlike any I’ve ever read.”
—Dahlia Adler, author of Under the Lights and editor of His Hideous Heart

"Arrrrr you ready for the swashbuckling, gorgeous, action-packed world of The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea? I’ve been in love with Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s writing for a long time, and I’m thrilled that you get to fall in love with it, too. A stunning fantasy that breaks all the rules—and hearts—in the best of ways."
—Sara Farizan, author of Here to Stay and If You Could Be Mine

“The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea is a beautiful confrontation of a book. Maggie Tokuda-Hall explores the cost of violence from every conceivable angle, trusting the reader to follow her intricate story and the complicated characters who inhabit it. Everything has a price, and every adventure takes its toll. The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea asks what parts of ourselves we’re willing to sacrifice, and who we’re willing to sacrifice them for.”
—Sarah Gailey, author of Magic for Liars and When We Were Magic

Not just mermaids, a witch, and the sea, Tokuda-Hall also covers pirates, double agents, and the lure of forgetting…this is a dark and creative story, laced with romance, and not for the faint of heart.
—School Library Journal

Tokuda-Hall aptly explores themes of gender identity and misogyny while illustrating colonialism’s horrors, in which even children must steal from and harm each other to survive. Interstitials by the sea lend a global viewpoint that ripples through the story without disrupting the narrative.
—Publishers Weekly

Moderate pacing and short stories peppered throughout balance out the more graphic scenes of violence and torture, which may be more appropriate for older readers. Though the romance develops quickly, readers will easily warm up to the tenacious protagonists as they grapple with identity, discover themselves, and stop at nothing short of freedom.
—Booklist

The non-Western-centric orientation is refreshing, and Tokuda-Hall’s stinging critiques of colonialism and toxic masculinity hit home. Readers willing to stick with the story will be well rewarded.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Told from the point-of-view of several characters, teachers could use this book as a springboard to talk about perspective in writing. It would also work well in a unit on fairy tales since the structure is riddled with small details and side tales that move the plot forward.
—School Library Connection

Awards

Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book AWARD 2020

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year AWARD 2020

They can manipulate these elements to create spells, potions, and charms. Additionally, they possess the mythical abilities of mermaids, such as the power of seduction, enhanced strength, and the ability to communicate with marine creatures. The allure of a mermaid witch lies in their dual nature, blending both dark and light elements. While they possess magical abilities, they are also known for their seductive nature, often using their enchanting voices and beauty to lure unsuspecting victims. This duality adds complexity to their character and makes them both captivating and dangerous. Throughout various myths and legends, mermaid witches can be portrayed as both benevolent protectors of the sea and vengeful beings seeking to wreak havoc on unsuspecting sailors. They are often seen as guardians of the ocean, using their magic to protect marine life and ensure the balance of nature. However, they can also be portrayed as mischievous and malevolent, using their powers to drown sailors or lead them to their demise. In modern popular culture, the concept of a mermaid witch continues to evolve and gain new interpretations. Books, movies, and television shows often feature mermaid witches as main characters or supporting roles, with their unique abilities and captivating appearance captivating viewers and readers. In conclusion, a mermaid witch is a mythical creature that combines the enchanting allure of a mermaid with the magical abilities of a witch. This hybrid being possesses a unique physical appearance and a dual nature, blending both light and dark elements. Whether portrayed as protectors or malevolent beings, mermaid witches continue to fascinate and captivate imaginations in various forms of folklore, literature, and popular culture..

Reviews for "The Mermaid Witch's Familiars: Guardians of the Sea and Soul"

1. Jessica - 2/5 - I was really excited to read "What is a mermaid witch" as I love fantasy books, but I was sorely disappointed. The plot was confusing and all over the place, with no clear direction or purpose. The characters were also very underdeveloped, and I had a hard time connecting with any of them. Overall, the book just felt disjointed and uninteresting, and I struggled to finish it.

2. Mike - 1/5 - I honestly don't understand the hype around "What is a mermaid witch". The writing style was juvenile, and the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic. I couldn't get past the first few chapters without cringing at the awkward sentence structures and basic vocabulary used. It felt like a book written for children, but with confusing and unnecessary adult themes thrown in. In my opinion, it's a complete waste of time.

3. Emily - 2/5 - "What is a mermaid witch" had so much potential, but it fell flat for me. The world-building was lacking, leaving me with more questions than answers. The magic system was unclear and poorly explained, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with slow moments dragging on for too long and action sequences feeling rushed and chaotic. I wanted to like this book, but unfortunately, it just didn't deliver.

The Mermaid Witch: A Symbol of Empathy and Connection with Nature