“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.” It's also a perfect blend of substance and escapism…The utterly immersive and imaginative story will carry even the most YA-resistant adult into its waters.” “An epic tale of survival, romance, mysticism, violence, loyalty, and resilience. “ The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea is a remarkable novel and hands down one of the best of the year.” Victims they are not, ultimately assisted by magic and empowered to set their own course.” The complex plot concludes with a colossal showdown…Comfortable with same-sex romance (pretty chaste) and lots of carnage (knives out), savvy teens will cheer on these sheroes. “Colonialism and misogyny are seen for what they are. Her prose is delightful, by turns delicate and brutal, as her plot demands.” ★ “Maggie Tokuda-Hall ( Also an Octopus) has crafted a brooding, magical adventure with a healthy dose of intrigue. ★ “A strikingly original and accomplished debut, The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea reads like an undiscovered classic with impressively modern flair.” ★ “Careful prose juxtaposes gentleness and brutality, contrasting the tender emotions between Flora/Florian and Evelyn and the violence of a pirate’s life… Absolutely enthralling.” PressĪn NPR Book Concierge Best of 2020 SelectionĪ School Library Journal Best YA of 2020 SelectionĪ Tor.Com Best of SFF, YA and Horror 2020 SelectionĪ Goodreads Staffer Top 3 Books of 2020 SelectionĪ 2020 Golden Poppy Mirrors and Windows Award Winner Soon the unlikely pair set in motion a wild escape that will free a captured mermaid (coveted for her blood, which causes men to have visions and lose memories) and involve the mysterious Pirate Supreme, an opportunistic witch, and the all-encompassing Sea itself. Flora doesn’t expect to be taken under Evelyn’s wing, and Evelyn doesn’t expect to find such a deep bond with the pirate Florian. But on this voyage, as the pirates prepare to sell their unsuspecting passengers into slavery, Flora is drawn to the Lady Evelyn Hasegawa, who is en route to a dreaded arranged marriage with her own casket in tow. For Flora, former starving urchin, the brutal life of a pirate is about survival: don’t trust, don’t stick out, and don’t feel. Aboard the pirate ship Dove, Flora the girl takes on the identity of Florian the man to earn the respect and protection of the crew.

The mermaid witch and the sea