The Ultimate List of Best Mermaid Books Ever: Dive Deep into These Enchanting Tales
Hey there, besties! If you’re anything like me, then the idea of mermaids – those mysterious, mesmerizing creatures of the deep – absolutely enchants you. Today, we’re diving into the vast ocean of mermaid literature to bring you the best of the best when it comes to books about our favorite finned beings. So grab your goggles, snorkels, or, dare I say, your tail, and let’s dive in!
Popular Mermaid Books That Will Make a Splash
First up, we’ve got some seriously stellar mermaid books that have been making waves in recent years:
- Out of the Blue by Jason June – This book takes a unique spin on the mermaid tale, with a dash of mystery and a sprinkle of romance.
- Of Poseidon by Anna Banks – A gripping story about a girl who discovers she’s a mermaid princess. Talk about a major life change, am I right?
- Elijah’s Mermaid by Essie Fox – This one’s got Victorian-era drama and a touch of the gothic. Perfect for those rainy day reads.
- The Deep by Rivers Solomon – A thought-provoking story that blends fantasy, history, and social commentary. Mermaids with substance, you might say.
- The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall – Pirates and mermaids and magic, oh my! A must-read for any fantasy lover.
- Ingo by Helen Dunmore – An enchanting story about a young girl who discovers a magical underwater world.
Timeless Classics: Mermaid Books That Never Get Old
Who can resist a classic? These books have stood the test of time, and for good reason:
- The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen – No mermaid list would be complete without this timeless tale. Spoiler alert: It’s a bit sadder than the Disney version.
- The Water-Babies by Charles Kingsley – This 1863 novel is a whimsical allegory that’s sure to charm.
- The Mermaid and the Minotaur by Dorothy Dinnerstein – A thought-provoking book that uses the mermaid myth to explore gender roles.
- The Sea Fairies by L. Frank Baum – A classic fairy tale by the author of ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ Need I say more?
- The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd – A story of self-discovery and transformation with a mystical twist.

Mermaid Books Adapted into Movies or TV Shows
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love seeing their favorite book characters come to life on the big screen? Here are some mermaid books that have made the leap from page to screen:
- The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen – The Disney version is a classic, but don’t forget the original tale!
- Splash by Brian Grazer – This book inspired the iconic ’80s movie of the same name. Cue the nostalgia.
- H2O: Just Add Water by Jonathan M. Shiff – What happens when three ordinary girls turn into mermaids? Read the book and watch the Australian TV show to find out.
- Siren by Eric Wald and Dean White – This American TV show, based on the book, offers a darker take on mermaids.
Dark and Twisted: Siren Mermaid Books
Now, let’s delve into the darker side of mermaid literature:
- To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo – A siren princess and a siren hunter. Talk about star-crossed lovers! 2. The Mermaid’s Sister by Carrie Anne Noble – A magical tale of two sisters, one of whom is becoming a mermaid.
- The Siren by Kiera Cass – This one’s got love, loss, and the moral dilemmas of immortality. Heavy stuff, but so worth it.
- The Surface Breaks by Louise O’Neill – A feminist retelling of “The Little Mermaid.” It’s about time, right?
- Sea Witch by Sarah Henning – A villain’s origin story with a nautical twist.

Bestselling YA Fantasy Mermaid Books
Now, let’s dive into the world of YA fantasy, where mermaids reign supreme:
- Lorelei by Amber Lynn Natusch – A book series about a teenage mermaid with a dark secret.
- Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs – A hilarious and heartwarming tale about a mermaid princess living in secret on land.
- Mermaid Moon by Susann Cokal – A beautifully written tale that combines mermaids, magic, and a quest for identity.
- Lost Voices by Sarah Porter – A powerful story about a group of girls turned into mermaids.
- Waterfire Saga by Jennifer Donnelly – An epic series about six mermaids on a quest to save their hidden world.
Real Mermaid Legends, Fables, and Stories
Last but not least, let’s not forget the mermaid legends and fables that have enthralled us for centuries:
- Sedna – In Inuit mythology, Sedna is a sea goddess who rules over the animals of the sea, often depicted as a mermaid.
- Atargatis – From ancient Syrian mythology, Atargatis is considered one of the earliest mermaid deities.
- The One Thousand and One Nights – Several tales in this collection feature mermaids and sea people, blending human intrigue with underwater fantasy.
- Yemaya – In Yoruba and Afro-Caribbean traditions, Yemaya is a powerful sea goddess often portrayed as a mermaid.
- The Loreley – A German legend about a beautiful siren who lured sailors to their doom with her song.
Well, there you have it, besties! Whether you’re looking for a timeless classic, a modern day page-turner, or some real-life mermaid legends, there’s something here for every mermaid enthusiast. Now, go make a splash with one of these fantastic reads! Until next time, keep those pages turning!

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