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Where the Sky Meets the Sea

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Sometimes the truth changes everything.

Sky Diver First-Class Eron Marcel makes his living hunting whalls, giant sea creatures valued for their oil and hide. But when a hunt goes disastrously wrong, Eron is saved by a creature he did not know even existed: half-human and half-fish. Working with his rescuer, a young mer named Ket, Eron learns that the mer rely on the whalls for protection from the sea’s dangers, and both species are facing potential extinction.

But conservation means nothing compared to profit to the rich oil barons. The mer and their relationship with the whalls might be the key to gaining even more power over the sea and its spoils, and Ket is the perfect bargaining chip. Eron is faced with the decision of what is more important: saving the mer, or saving Ket?

Where the Sky Meets the Sea is an M/M adventure-romance set in a steampunk-style world. It is a standalone novel with a HEA and no cliffhanger.

171 pages, ebook

Published August 7, 2023

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About the author

Kit Barrie

18 books81 followers
Kit Barrie (she/her) was raised by pirates in a traveling carnival where she learned how to fly and to weave fantasy into reality. She identifies as chaotic bisexual, with good intentions and questionable methods. She lives in an utterly unfantastical state in the Midwestern United States with some food goblins who might just be cats gobblin’ food.

Please visit www.kitbarrie.com for more information on Kit’s writing or to sign up for her fantastical newsletter!

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,391 reviews531 followers
August 28, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars


Where the Sky Meets the Sea combines a bit of steampunk with a merfolk fantasy, plus a nice message on the dangers of greed and the importance of protecting the sea. The first portion of the story focuses on introducing us to the airships and whall hunts, and then the few days that Eron is with Ket in the grotto. Barrie sets up the story well, giving us a nice overview of Eron’s job and the whalling industry. We then see Eron in the aftermath of the accident, as he needs to find a way to survive and get back to land, as well spending a few days getting to know Ket. Then the story shifts gears somewhat. First, Eron learns more about the mer and their connection to the whalls and he gains a new awareness about the importance of their symbiotic relationship. There is a nice balance here of opening Eron up to this new idea and seeing him have a change of heart about whalling, while not being too heavy handed with the messaging.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.



Profile Image for pani tet.
540 reviews16 followers
March 25, 2025
Один з тих прикладів, коли проста, пряма як рейка історія може бути хорошою і не потребує хитровивертів. Навіть може бути зворушливою. Це буквально дійснеївський сюжет з очевидними героями та злодіями, із великим коханням, що береться з однієї спільної пісні головних героїв в оточенні пташок (чи то радше морських коників тут). Та із солодким фіналом в хорошому сенсі теж. Жахливо мило, просто жахливо.

Заявленого стімпанку катастрофічно мало, я прийшла заради нього спочатку. А залишилась заради казки й перемоги любові над світовим лихом.
Profile Image for Zoi Gauna.
233 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2024
An absolutely amazing Little Mermaid retelling. Was a little hesitant about mixing a fairytale with steampunk, but it flows together so well!! And I got such nostalgia while reading the beginning because of the similarities with the disney show. And the end was so satisfying and sweet! And the ending was left open for a possible sequel!
Profile Image for Danny Tootell.
24 reviews
April 9, 2026
I’ve read some terrible books in my time, this has to be the worst.

What do you mean the main character is having sex with the half man/half fish? Ridiculous, stupid, horrid book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brittanie.
592 reviews48 followers
October 16, 2023
This is a steampunk fantasy that centers around an alt-universe whaling industry.
Here, they use "whall" oil - basically the same creature as a whale but able to communicate with other species. Our MC Eron is a whall hunter - here they use some type of ship that can fly using the power of steam but is also seaworthy - that crashes and is lost at sea after a disastrous hunt. He's saved by a mer - merman to us - that helps him survive in an isolated cave before eventually guiding him back to the nearest town. During Eron's time in the cave, he becomes close to the mute mer he christens Ket. Ket doesn't speak English but seems to have an understanding of it, using his body language and Dolphin-like clicks and squeels to communicate with Eron. There are a few spicy scenes as Eron and Ket discover more about each other, but Ket seems a little too child-like that I didn't enjoy the relationship quite so much. The author tries to maybe make up for this by making Eron also a first timer though he states he's in his early 20s. We never learn how old Ket is or if the mer age at the same rate as humans.
Nearly half-way through the book, Eron makes it back to a small island village with the help of Ket and others of his kind that just so happens to be occupied by the baron who owns most or all of the whalling ships in that part of the sea. The book diverges a bit here and becomes a social commentary on the dangers of over-fishing/hunting and what it does to the environment. The baron and his daughter are cartoonish villains that only care about money and, after discovering Eron and Ket together, kidnap both for "science" and the further there reach in the whall oil industry. I got bored here and skipped around a lot, only reading to find out how Ket and Eron were treated and how they'd eventually escape.
Eron is reunited with his original crew but has already resigned from whalling because of Ket. They promise to take him back to his home town and he spends the rest of the book with Ket trying to think of ways that they can stay together.

This reminded me a lot of Catch and Release, only set in a totally alternative universe. Mostly, the mer's lack of human speech and use of physical clues to communicate with his new human mate. The genital situation is a bit different, and is more similar to some of the monsters in Lily Mayne's Monstrous series. Perhaps the fact that it reminded me of other books I'd already read I was a bit bored, plus I'm not into steampunk fantasy or scifi.
It was still a fun, easy story to read with a bit of spice and a HFN ending.
Profile Image for Kaylee.
771 reviews36 followers
April 26, 2026
Thought this was rather simple, cute and fun. It did get a bit political but it was also helping animals so... Okay, I guess...? Still, the political aspect came out of nowhere and did throw me out for a bit. But it also wasn't done with too much shoved in the face, but more of an abrupt measure. Which I guess also made it seem shoved in the face a bit...?

I could see it either way honestly.

It was at the very end which I think had a part of play of its abruptness.

Anyway, it was odd how quickly Eron develops feelings for Ket. Especially since their whole communication was based off Eron's perception. For all he knew, he could have been completely wrong on a lot of aspects and he'd/we'd never know. The only "saving grace" about that bit was the Ket was strong and had sharp teeth and could swim well. We're presuming that if Ket didn't like what was going on, he would have just abandoned Eron or put up resistance.

And this rubbed me wrong at times.

However, there were some cute scenes. I really loved the nose rubs. I also really liked the scenes where we get to know how important the whalls (let me not get started on different names for species that exist for the sake of them being "fantastical") are for the mers and all that entails.

Also, Eron. How tf is he so naive being a part of this hunting community? When he goes to land with Ket's help, he barely (if at all) thought anything poor about the "businessman" and that he wouldn't give two-shits, lets alone want to build further, even after warnings! And the daughter of said baron... Okaay. It felt like there was going to be something more especially with her. Instead, this two were the definition of silly villains and predictably.

All-in-all, however, it was a fun, cute tale that I did overall enjoy. I liked their interactions ("Silly fish"), I liked the sea aspects, liked how the steampunk part came into play at the end with the fin. Made me curious about how things would/could play out with the actual understanding of the mer language if it came to it.

Listened to the audiobook narrated by Christian Leatherman who did a great job. I would definitely listen to another by him again. First time for both author and narrator, I'd also check out this author again.
Profile Image for T.J. Rose.
Author 13 books450 followers
August 14, 2023
This was so much fun!

I knew from the first chapter, which brought all of the steam punk ✨ vibes ✨, that I was going to love Where the Sky Meets the Sea. I mean, who can resist air ships and sky diving???

Eron, who hunts whalls for a living, gets thrown overboard during a job, and is saved by a mer - a strange half-fish, half-man creature who he strangely finds... attractive?

The thing I loved about this was how unique the authors take on 'mer' people were. Instead of shifters or humans with tails, they were a (almost) scientifically believable species. Ket can't talk and communicates with fin shifts and clicks. But somehow he and Eron fall in love, which is super sweet.

The plot quickly develops into money grabbing whall hunters vs Eron & Ket, and I enjoyed the suspenseful action scenes.

Read if you want...

🐚 a short, pacey read that packs a punch
🐚 a super cute 'silly fish'
🐚 an adorable couple who will do anything for each other
🐚 spicy scenes (I will never look at mermaid's tails the same way again...)
🐚 HEA

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,833 reviews25 followers
August 5, 2023
Loving the Silly Fish

‘Eron stroked Ket’s hair, which seemed to soothe both of them. He was exhausted, but he didn’t want to let go of the mer, so he scooped him up in his arms and moved over to a softer patch of dry ground. Ket spooned back against him, and Eron fell asleep with his hand resting on Ket’s scaly hip.’

A fantastical steampunk MM Paranormal/creature ROMANCE!

I love Kit Barrie’s Where the Sky Meets the Sea!

It is my favorite type of Science Fiction, but with sweet romantic components that pull readers’ hearts apart, as Ket (a mer) and Eron (a whall hunter) go through hll to find a way to stay together, all while an opportunistic and greedy tyrant, along with his evil scientist of a daughter, seek to exploit the slaughter and slavery of two spectacular sea creatures.

There is danger, the loyalty of friends, unimagined attraction, and a plot that will confound you. Plus a HEA to help with the angst that Barrie has put us through ;).

Tired of the same old romance? Where the Sky Meets the Sea will take you on a journey you never expected to travel!
932 reviews6 followers
July 31, 2023
4.5/5 This was a fantastical, action-packed adventure. I liked how Eron’s perspective on the sea immediately began to change as he learned more information about it. Ket was more “alien” than I was expecting, and it was fascinating to see how they communicated and were able to express so much even when they didn’t speak the same language. I loved the curiosity, the willingness to learn, and the sweet connection. Everything happens pretty fast, but even with the language barrier, it felt like Eron and Ket really connected.

The bad guys were vile, but I loved all the good people who came together and did what was right rather than what was easy.

I’ve got my fingers crossed for the Queen’s decision and adventures for Risse. ;)

I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Juniper.
3,488 reviews24 followers
August 5, 2023
Things I liked about this story:

-The creativity of the world building and the measured, layered way that world takes shape on the page. Both the setting and those who inhabit it feel carefully crafted and intriguing in all kinds of ways.

-Ket and Eron. A mer and a hunter whose connection is full of care and sparks and sweetness and is strong enough for them to go through all manner of obstacles: for each other, for their relationship, and for a larger good.

-The plot. It’s engrossing, it has some pointed insights that are worth heeding, and it goes places that I, at least, was not expecting (no spoilers here, this is worth experiencing on its own terms).

Tl;dr: imaginative, compelling, and well worth a read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Nori H.
242 reviews37 followers
July 7, 2025
I was happily entertained listening to Christian Leatherman narrate When The Sky Meets the Sea. The world of men in sky ships hunting the Whal over the ocean was reminiscent of old whaling days. The Baron and his psychopath daughter were the perfect villains. Aaron naively gave too much information away leading to a horrific situation of slavery and ultimate extinction. And I admit to a level of anxiety while listening during the despicable attempt to capture and kill beautiful creatures. Love the fantasy!
A bit simplistic, the story had some squingy moments where Ket, the mer, has the ability to understand Aaron’s words and wants intimacy pdq. I liked the author’s descriptions of steamy moments, good writing there.
It’s a fun book, perfect for escape and summer reading.
Profile Image for K-Me.
3,093 reviews
August 5, 2023
I absolutely loved this fresh new approach to a merman story. Ket is always a merman, so he is not human. The way he is written I could visualize his appearance and was it was stunning. I was glued to this book. Eron and Ket also cannot communicate via a shared language, so it was fascinating to see how they connected. There is a ton of danger and really bad enemies, but I pleasantly surprised by the gentler way the romance developed. I was kind of all swoony with how much it soothed Eron to touch Ket. I am definitely looking forward to more from Kit! The story and writing style were unique and quite mesmerizing!
Profile Image for Emrys Rei Hankins.
21 reviews
September 30, 2023
This story was so cute. Once again, Kit caught me with the ear communication (like in her book The Goblin Twins) which is honestly just so interesting to me. Non verbal communication is really prevalent in this story, and I'm not /quite/ sure it passes the harkness test, but the love story was cute af. Well Ket is. Was not a fan of the tonguing/whaling/whalling portion of the book because animal cruelty makes me sick and it was needless in the story (the person who owned the company admitted they didn't really need the whals but wanted more money). Also merman spanking is a thing and I am still processing it 😂 overall 100% recommend.
Profile Image for SJ James.
15 reviews
August 9, 2023
This is such a sweet story about a man and his 'Silly Fish'. I love when books have very specific pet names between the MCs so I absolutely melted every time Eron called Ket that.

I've read everything from this author and, in my opinion, this is the best one.

I loved the emphasis on communication between the two characters, despite neither of them actually speaking the same language. Also, it was super interesting to learn more about Ket's anatomy during the later part of the book, despite the dire circumstances that we learn it in.

All in all a sweet read with a HEA.
Profile Image for Jocelyn Hetland.
2 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2026
I loved this book SOOOO MUCH.

The detail in describing the characters, the items, the places, and the steampunk airships were so beautiful.

And OH MY GOD the spicy scenes 🤭🫣😳 so hot. I was always rooting for the main couple and itching for a happy ending for them.

I’d LOVE to see a sequel that shows how the main couple progresses in their relationship, how all the mer are able to understand humans perfectly explained as well, and maybe that hint of character ship get to know each other and maybe become something more? 😏😉
1,600 reviews8 followers
August 9, 2023
I loved this story. The world-building is fantastic and I loved the merman who is a genuine merman, not some kind of shifter. The characters are beautiful, and the challenges Eron and Ket face as they bond and find a common goal, were exciting and suspenseful at the same time. Lovely romance, along with some food for thought about how we interact with our world.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,785 reviews49 followers
August 11, 2023
The world building in this one is amazing and I loved getting my perspective on everything shifted just as Eron did. Learning about the threats to Ket, the mer and the whalls and seeing how Eron was trapped in a seemingly impossible situtation made for a suspenseful and emotional story. Seeing characters fight for survival and to make things better was a breath of inspiration in these times when things can occasionally seem overwhelming.
Profile Image for Nina Diab.
5,447 reviews52 followers
August 25, 2023
“I love you too, silly fish.”

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I was fascinated by the storyline and loved the building relationship between Eron and Ket. Their chemistry sizzled and I loved their dynamic and how they communicated. The story also had danger and suspense and I was rooting for these two the entire way. I will definitely be reading more from this author! 5 stars.
Profile Image for Tabby.
187 reviews36 followers
September 25, 2023
OK, so this is a 3* read HOWEVER, I gave it an extra star because the premise was really unusual in the MM genre.

I think this could have been improved with some deeper feelings and greater depth to the characters and their relationship. As it stands, it's a bit fluffy and I didn't feel any real connection to any of the characters, and that's such a shame!

But it's written well and I enjoyed the steampunk vibe.
Profile Image for S.S. Genesee.
Author 6 books57 followers
August 3, 2023
This book was so cool and refreshing! Like a spray of the ocean, amirite?

Let's just say, I was SO excited to read a book about a merman who DOESN'T shift into a human! Yes, Ket stays a merman throughout the entire book! And there's wonderful spicy scenes, let's not forget 🤭💕 This was just so much of what I was really looking for in a merman book, and Where the Sky Meets the Sea does not disappoint!!

The whole plot too with whall hunting, Eron, and the antagonist, was all so exciting and draws you in!! The steampunk atmosphere is perfect, and the drama and suspense is just top notch 👌👌 The ending is a HEA too, just what I needed 🤭💕💖 If you want a unique and intriguing book about merfolk, don't hesitate to pick this one up!✨
17.3k reviews183 followers
August 10, 2023
He is hunting whalls for profit but he is about to be saved by a merman. He is about to learn they have a connection to the whalls and they are both at risk of extinction. What is going to happen? Can they make a connection? Can he save the whalls? What about the merman? Can they make a life together? See if they can
Profile Image for Lindsay Hamilton.
721 reviews20 followers
June 22, 2025
4.75
A touch of Little Mermaid, plus down with capitalism, and some wonderfully spicy mm…

I really enjoyed this story, I loved the unique take on Little Mermaid—more of the human in the mer world vs other way around—and the non-shifting bit was a lot of fun!
It definitely wrapped up a bit quickly and with the way it leaves room for follow-up books, I’m really hoping Kit has more soon!
Profile Image for Brandyn {Nyn}.
688 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2023
OhMy

I didn’t expect this story to be so emotional; a very riveting tale to be sure!!

The touch of steampunk was absolute perfection.

I am new to Kit Barrie but am thoroughly enjoying everything I have read so far.
1,039 reviews3 followers
August 13, 2023
This book was good! Eron and Ket were sweet and their love story made me smile. The baddies were REALLY horrible and kind of got what they deserved, and the HEA was satisfying. I’ve enjoyed everything from this author that I’ve read.
Profile Image for thatchickuh8.
187 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2025
This was different. I kept expecting the author to take the easy way out by making the Mer transform, reveal some sort of power, or learn to speak, but they remained refreshingly committed to their idea. That does make things a little odd at times, though. The romance and smut is a little too strange for me. The main characters are likeable but don't go too deep e.g. they're completely different species but don't ever question their relationship. The villains are despicable, meaning they're very well done. Strong worldbuilding and plot. I found the later chapters dark and evocative, and was even starting to worry that there wasn't going to be a way out of the mess the naive MC had unwittingly created (all his crying out to the Mer really starts to grate). With that in mind, it was a little hard to believe things turned out so well, but I suppose I was rooting for the happy ending. I appreciated the clever social commentary without the need to bash readers over the head with didacticism. I'm rounding up to 4 stars for the author's smart decisions. Great narration.
431 reviews2 followers
May 9, 2026
Ow, my heart. I am so relieved this was up front about the HEA ending because I would have for SURE given up towards the end because of how stressful and troubling things became. Loved this, loved this. Really good audiobook narration, too. Omg.
16 reviews
September 2, 2023
An excellent story, but a little too much angst for me. I loved Ket. Eron was a little too apologetic, taking responsibility for too much. I do look forward to other books by Kit Barrie!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews