Year of the Mer: Volume 1
L. D. Lewis
Apr 2026 · Sold by Simon and Schuster
Ebook
400
Pages
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Eligible
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About this ebook
A “lush and imaginative…sapphic” (Rebecca Roanhorse, New York Times bestselling author) reimagining of The Little Mermaid that goes far beyond the fairy tale to explore family legacy, war, and what we will sacrifice for vengeance—the perfect read for fans of The Priory of the Orange Tree and Circe.
Yemaya Blackgate is the future of Ixia. At only twenty-five years old, she is close to inheriting a throne she doesn’t particularly want after her father’s assassination and her mother’s slow death from poisoning. Despite whispers and slights from her own people due to her Mer ancestry, Yemi has been raised as the kingdom’s sword and shield. But though both her mother and her personal bodyguard (and betrothed), Nova, gently guide and temper her, all she feels is fury.
When the kingdom’s discontented rumblings reach a fever pitch, a coup erupts and Yemi’s throne is usurped, stripping her of her family and forcing her into exile. Now, only one being has the power to help her: Ursla.
Like her grandmother Arielle before her, Yemi is tempted by a deal with the sea-witch. With powerful and ancient magic behind her, she could avenge her family, take back her throne, and protect the love of her life. But she should know more than anyone that there is always a price. As much as Yemi wants vengeance, Ursla has been waiting a very, very long time for her own—and it may take more fortune than Yemi possesses to keep her from losing everything all over again in this “fantastic, deeply moving story” (Fran Wilde, author of A Philosophy of Thieves).
Yemaya Blackgate is the future of Ixia. At only twenty-five years old, she is close to inheriting a throne she doesn’t particularly want after her father’s assassination and her mother’s slow death from poisoning. Despite whispers and slights from her own people due to her Mer ancestry, Yemi has been raised as the kingdom’s sword and shield. But though both her mother and her personal bodyguard (and betrothed), Nova, gently guide and temper her, all she feels is fury.
When the kingdom’s discontented rumblings reach a fever pitch, a coup erupts and Yemi’s throne is usurped, stripping her of her family and forcing her into exile. Now, only one being has the power to help her: Ursla.
Like her grandmother Arielle before her, Yemi is tempted by a deal with the sea-witch. With powerful and ancient magic behind her, she could avenge her family, take back her throne, and protect the love of her life. But she should know more than anyone that there is always a price. As much as Yemi wants vengeance, Ursla has been waiting a very, very long time for her own—and it may take more fortune than Yemi possesses to keep her from losing everything all over again in this “fantastic, deeply moving story” (Fran Wilde, author of A Philosophy of Thieves).
A “lush and imaginative…sapphic” (Rebecca Roanhorse, New York Times bestselling author) reimagining of The Little Mermaid that goes far beyond the fairy tale to explore family legacy, war, and what we will sacrifice for vengeance—the perfect read for fans of The Priory of the Orange Tree and Circ...
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About the author
L. D. Lewis is an editor, publisher, and Shirley Jackson Award–nominated writer of speculative fiction. She is the author of the novel Year of the Mer and the novellas A Ruin of Shadows and The Dead Withheld. Her published short fiction and poetry have appeared in several Neon Hemlock anthologies, numerous online publications, and Jordan Peele’s Out There Screaming. Past lives include roles as a founding creator and project manager for the World Fantasy and Hugo Award–winning FIYAH Literary Magazine, the director of FIYAHCON, and researcher for the LeVar Burton Reads podcast. She pays the bills as a literary nonprofit administrator. She lives in Georgia on perpetual deadline with her partner, two cats, and an impressive LEGO build collection.
L. D. Lewis is an editor, publisher, and Shirley Jackson Award–nominated writer of speculative fiction. She is the author of the novel Year of the Mer and the novellas A Ruin of Shadows and The Dead Withheld. Her published short fiction and poetry have appeared in several Neon Hemlock anthologies...
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