Year of the Mer

A dark, bloody epic fantasy reimagining of The Little Mermaid that goes far beyond the fairy tale to explore family legacy, war, and what we will sacrifice for vengeance--the perfect read for fans of The Priory of the Orange Tree and Circe.

The fairy tale mermaid Arielle might have gotten her happily-ever-after, but her granddaughter Yemi is having a much harder time. Her father, the king of Ixia, was assassinated years ago, her mother is slowly dying of a poisoned wound, and she faces whispers and slights from her own people. Yemi has been raised as the shield of the kingdom and is soon to inherit the throne, but she cannot shake her fury at how Ixia has treated her family after all they've sacrificed. Only her patient mother and steadfast personal bodyguard (and fiancée), Nova, help Yemi rein in that fury...most of the time.

When the kingdom's discontented rumblings reach a fever pitch, a coup erupts and Yemi's throne is usurped, stripping her of her family and forcing her into exile. Now, only one being has the power to help her: Ursla.

Like her grandmother before her, Yemi is tempted by a deal with the sea-witch. With powerful and ancient magic behind her, Yemi could avenge her family, take back her throne, and protect the love of her life. But she should know more than anyone that there is always a price. As much as Yemi wants vengeance, Ursla has been waiting a very, very long time for her own--and it may take more fortune than Yemi possesses to keep her from losing everything all over again.

Author: L. D. Lewis
Publisher: S&s/Saga Press
Published: 04/07/2026
Pages: 400
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.30w x 1.50d
ISBN: 9781668060957


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 02/01/2026 pg. 41
Publishers Weekly 02/02/2026

About the Author
L. D. Lewis is an editor, publisher, and Shirley Jackson Award-nominated writer of speculative fiction. She is the author of the novel Year of the Mer and the novellas A Ruin of Shadows and The Dead Withheld. Her published short fiction and poetry has appeared in several Neon Hemlock anthologies, numerous online publications, and Jordan Peele's Out There Screaming. Past lives include roles as a founding creator and project manager for the World Fantasy and Hugo Award-winning FIYAH Literary Magazine, the director of FIYAHCON, and researcher for the LeVar Burton Reads podcast. She pays the bills as a literary nonprofit administrator. She lives in Georgia on perpetual deadline with her partner, two cats, and an impressive LEGO build collection.