If you have been craving a queer bipoc dark epic fantasy that is a twist on the Little Mermaid with loads of political themes, intrigue and dialogue, this is the book for you!!! We have Mer people, land people (Men), a pre-existing sapphic romantic relationship, a brash and unapologetic main character, a reimagining of Ursula, lots of swagger, and neopronoun representation! At times the pacing feels a bit off and you might spend some time grappling with the settings (kinda modern but kinda not?). It’s almost steampunk in a way but not sure if it’s exactly that. It’s something different, fresh and interesting. I would recommend!!
It’s not lost on me that the author decided to name the main character Yemaya, a well known goddess (one of the most powerful Orishas, sometimes referred to as Queen of the Sea) of Yoruba and Santería relgion and traditions (and likely others I’m not aware of). In Year of the Mer, Yemi (for short) is considered a god/princess, in line to take over the throne from her mother. Yemi is impulsive and brash at first, but this of course sets us up for some great character development across the books as she is challenged at many stages. However, the arc might not go as you expect and I loved that.
There is a lot of topics that are woven into this story and often that characters discuss things at length. The dialogue in scenes stretches for what seems longer than average. So, if you are someone who enjoys a lot of dialogue, you would like this book! For me, it was a bit too stretch in multiple places of the book which throws off the pacing, making it feel slower.
This is a DARK fantasy and I really enjoyed where the author took it and how the Mer and Men were written. This book has a lot to say! It was contemplative, bold, and unapologetic. Definitely a recommend if you are looking for something fresh, biting, and unique.
Lastly, the test of what I really thought of the book, I pre-ordered myself a physical copy from my local indie bookstore.
p.s. READ ALL OF THE AUTHORS NOTES, LETTERS, ACKNOWLEGEMENTS – trust me!
About the author (screenshot from the author’s website):
Read more on her website here! And follow L on Bluesky!
Publisher is Saga Press (US)/Titan Books (UK?).
