The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea (The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea, #1)

by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

[Amber (The Literary Phoenix)]

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing Early Reviewers and Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Wow.

This book was a ride.

You guys already know I pick up pirate books like a robin plucking up fat wriggling worms – I can’t get enough. The grisly reality, the call of the sea, the code of the Brethren… bring it on. Requesting The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea was an easy call, and I’m so glad I did.

At first, I wasn’t sure I would like this book. I immediately did not love Evelyn – I found her stiff and selfish. But I did like Flora/Florian, and so I was pulled in anyway. And I wasn’t really, really sold on the book until about halfway through, when things started getting a bit gritty. Every few chapters or so, and with increasing frequency toward the end, something shocking happened. Shocking, like, something bad and cruel and gut-wrenching and unexpected. But handled well. And… refreshing in its utter reality. I don’t want to give too much away, but there is quick, blunt gore in this book and while it’s a bit gruesome to admit it, it definitely held my attention.

And you know what? It should be a bit dark and gory. It’s a pirate book. Many authors are quick comfortable with graphic, extended sex scenes. I’m actually surprised there’s not more gore as well.

For those who can’t stomach that sort of thing, I understand, and I am warning you they are there. Loss of body parts, loss of life. However, these scenes are short and to the point – no drawn out discussions of suffering, just the blunt reality that bad things happen. I respected that about The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea. Maggie Tokuda-Hall did not coddle her darlings, and as such, the stakes felt higher.

Ultimately, there ended up being five POVs in this book. Everlyn and Flora/Florian were present the entire book, but Rake and Genevieve came in during the second half. The Sea interjected here and there, but for the most part made for a transitionary chapter as the action turned. I felt Gwenivieve’s POV was mostly unnecessary, but the other three were good. If Maggie Tokuda-Hall is planning a sequel (and I do think there is room for something like that), including Gwenivieve would make a little more sense for a smooth transition. The other three POVs are fantastic. And the rep is really intersting. There’s commentary on colonialism, racism, homophobia… casual hate plays into this book like it does in the real world, and it is handled so well. It’s beautifully refreshing to see a gender ambiguous character in a starring role, and each of the characters are well-written (even Evelyn proved herself in the end).

The plot is riveting, the pacing good. The stakes were high. The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea is part adventure story, part fantasy, part folklore, and part high-seas action. There’s so much going on in all the best ways. Unlike many books with similar titles, mermaids, witches, and the sea are all key and important character. And I liked the ending, because it was bold and unexpected.

The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea is an easy book to recommend. Chock full of diversity and with a plot that will keep you hooked, it’s a wonderful new release and perfect for YA fans who like their books with a bit of romance and a dark twist.