Embrace the Mystical with the Mermaid Witch Book: A Review

The mermaid witch book is a captivating piece of literature that combines the enchanting world of mermaids with the mystic powers of witches. It takes readers on an exciting and magical journey through the depths of the ocean and the realms of witchcraft. The book tells the story of a young mermaid named Marina who discovers her extraordinary ability to practice witchcraft. With a mix of curiosity and fear, Marina embarks on a quest to understand and harness her powers, seeking guidance from her fellow mermaids and seeking answers from the wise old witches. As Marina delves deeper into her witchcraft studies, she learns about the ancient rituals and spells that witches use to control and manipulate the elements. She discovers that her mermaid heritage and her newfound magic are intrinsically linked, creating a unique and formidable force.

She discovers that her mermaid heritage and her newfound magic are intrinsically linked, creating a unique and formidable force. This realization sparks a desire within Marina to use her powers for good and protect her underwater kingdom from various threats. Throughout the mermaid witch book, readers are taken on thrilling adventures as Marina confronts dark and treacherous forces that seek to harm her and her loved ones.

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

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.

From battling sea monsters to outwitting rival witches, Marina's journey is filled with suspense and excitement. Amidst the action and adventure, the mermaid witch book also explores themes of self-discovery, courage, and the importance of embracing one's true nature. Marina's journey serves as a metaphor for the challenges we encounter in life and the power that lies within us to overcome them. The mermaid witch book is a perfect blend of fantasy, magic, and adventure that will captivate readers of all ages. Its vivid descriptions and imaginative storytelling transport readers to a world where mermaids swim in harmony with witches, and where the power of magic knows no bounds. Through its compelling narrative and relatable characters, the book leaves readers longing for more and eagerly anticipating the next installment in this enchanting series..

Reviews for "Immerse Yourself in Magic: The Mermaid Witch Book Review"

1. Emily - 1 star - I thought "Mermaid Witch Book" was going to be an exciting and magical story, but I was left extremely disappointed. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, and the plot was predictable and boring. The writing style felt forced and awkward, making it difficult for me to become immersed in the story. Overall, I found the book to be a complete waste of time and would not recommend it to anyone.

2. Daniel - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Mermaid Witch Book" as the premise sounded interesting, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver. The story started off promising, but it quickly became repetitive and cliché. The world-building was weak, leaving many unanswered questions and inconsistencies. The romance felt forced and lacked chemistry, making it hard for me to root for the characters. Overall, the book had potential, but it fell short on delivering a captivating and engrossing story.

3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Mermaid Witch Book" had a lot of potential, but it ultimately fell flat for me. The pacing was slow, and the plot lacked depth and originality. The characters were forgettable and their motivations were poorly explored. The writing style was average at best and didn't engage me as a reader. I kept waiting for the story to pick up, but it never did. I was left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed by the end, and I wouldn't recommend this book to others.

Join the Aquatic Adventure: Discovering the Mermaid Witch Book