Book One: The Mermaid’s Wrath
Book One: The Mermaid’s Wrath
This is not the little mermaid you grew up with.
The Pacific Mers clan lives within a magical bubble for their protection, isolating them from humanity and the Surfecti, the magical people on land. Jelly is a Warrior Mermaid, able to pass through the barrier and explore the outer world. She wears a family heirloom, a teardrop black pearl at her throat, not knowing it has a hidden power. When she stares at a wall of plastic bottles in a superstore, becoming more furious by the second, the pearl wakes in response to her anger.
She loses control.
She'll be punished for this. But the pearl isn't done, and sets her on a journey to work with the estranged Surfecti. It’s a mission she’s not equipped to handle, requiring a cool head, something she’s never had.
Even worse, there's someone who desperately wants her pearl, and he will do anything to get it.
And Jelly is in his way.
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A climate-driven romantasy adventure set in the contemporary Pacific Ocean and surface world. The tone balances ecological horror with found-family warmth, slow-burn romance, and consistent comic relief.
Described as “The Hunger Games” meets “Moana."
The Mermaid’s Wrath is the winner of the Reedsy Discovery Editors’ Choice Awards for 2025.
Silver Medal from Readers’ Favorite Choice Awards 2026.
Editorial reviews below.
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Silver Medal from Readers’ Favorite 2026 Award Contest for General Fantasy Fiction.
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Five five-star reviews from the esteemed Readers’ Favorite website.
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.”