Book One: The Mermaid’s Wrath
Would you leave safety to save a stranger?
The Mers are second in power to the Fae, safely ensconced in a magical bubble deep in the ocean. Jelly is a warrior mermaid, a rarity, already estranged for her inquisitive mind and general irreverence. The black pearl she wears wakes up, haunting her with dark premonitions, urging her to work with the Surfecti, the magical people on land.
There’s bad blood between the races, from before Jelly’s time, but the Surfecti need her to save a kidnapped woman. Jelly has been to the surface before. What does she have to lose?
Possibly everything, including her life.
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Described as “The Hunger Games” meets “Moana,” The Mermaid’s Wrath is the winner of the Reedsy Discovery Editors’ Choice Awards for 2025. The Mermaid’s Wrath is the first volume in The Laughter of the Sun series, a tale of romantasy, mythology, and a powerfully angry female warrior. This is not the little mermaid you grew up with.
Read Chapter One here.
Triggers! Read here.
Editorial Reviews
Kirkus review for The Mermaid’s Wrath:
“A lighthearted novel that simultaneously features heavy environmental themes, multifaceted characters, and lots of charm. Holman weaves elements of humor, magic, romance, and environmental activism in a quirky ocean-set romantasy. Overall, Holman (despite the whimsical premise and humorous voice) excels in giving the protagonist depth and motivation for her environmental activism, which is rooted in her mother’s early demise from cancer caused by plastic exposure. The adventure is also brought together with a well-rounded cast of side characters, such as a toxic ex and a loyal best friend.”
Joline Lim for Reedsy Discovery - 5 stars ‘Must Read.’
“The Mermaid’s Wrath by Andie Holman is a fiercely original eco-fantasy that blends mythology, rage, and activism into a sharp, heartfelt narrative… This book gives off the vibes of Moana meets The Hunger Games, with a dash of Princess Mononoke. Imagine a Studio Ghibli world, but darker and heavier with the weight of ecological collapse, and a heroine who’s had enough of pretending everything’s fine. It’s beautifully furious, tender in all the right places, and deeply necessary.”
N. N. Light’s Book Heaven editorial review:
“Torn between saving the ocean and the humans above the surface, warrior mermaid Jelly must make the impossible choice. The Mermaid’s Wrath is a debut romantasy I couldn’t read fast enough. The descriptive narration is immersive with intricate world-building. The characters are relatable and leap from the page and into your heart. This is not the little mermaid you grew up on but a fierce warrior mermaid with a righteous temper. The Mermaid’s Wrath brings topics such as environmental pollution to light that will make you think about what happens long after you finish reading. If you’re looking for an original romantasy featuring a warrior mermaid, pick up The Mermaid’s Wrath. 5 stars.”