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The Realm Beneath: Stories of Mermaids, Selkies, and other Creatures of the Deep
Seven authors make a splash in The Realm Beneath: a short story collection featuring mythic creatures of the deep as you’ve never seen them before.
A girl who must kill a kraken to save her people. A ruined civilization seeking a new and unknown shore. A boy investigating a mysterious sighting at an aquarium. A mermaid determined to rob a sea dragon’s hoard.
Find all of this and more in this new collection and prepare yourself for a world you only thought you knew . . . and an ocean full of stories.
Compiled by Allison Tebo and featuring the talents of Emily Golus, Anna Christine, Olivia Gratehouse, Jane Maree, Danielle Bullen, and Hannah Kaye, this fantasy anthology plumbs the depths of the sea, and the mysterious beings that we find in the realm beneath the waves.
A girl who must kill a kraken to save her people. A ruined civilization seeking a new and unknown shore. A boy investigating a mysterious sighting at an aquarium. A mermaid determined to rob a sea dragon’s hoard.
Find all of this and more in this new collection and prepare yourself for a world you only thought you knew . . . and an ocean full of stories.
Compiled by Allison Tebo and featuring the talents of Emily Golus, Anna Christine, Olivia Gratehouse, Jane Maree, Danielle Bullen, and Hannah Kaye, this fantasy anthology plumbs the depths of the sea, and the mysterious beings that we find in the realm beneath the waves.
ebook
Published October 18, 2024
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About the author
Allison Tebo
30 books468 followersI am no longer accepting friend requests, but do feel free to follow.
Allison Tebo is a Christian writer committed to creating magical stories full of larger-than-life characters, a dash of grit, and plenty of laughs. She is the author of Break the Beast, an epic fantasy retelling of Beowulf, and the Tales of Ambia, a series of romantic comedy retellings of popular fairy tales. Her flash fiction has been published in magazines such as SplicketySpark and Saddlebag Dispatches and her short stories have been featured in anthologies by Inklings Press, Rogue Blades Entertainment, Pole to Pole Publishing, Editing Mee, Dragon Soul Press, and Ye Olde Dragons Publishing.
Allison also writes under the pseudonym Al Thibeaux and co-runs the speculative fiction e-zine Worlds of Adventure.
Allison graduated with merit from London Art College after studying cartooning and children’s illustration and, when not creating new worlds with words or paint, she enjoys reading, baking, and making lists.
You can find out more about her work at https://allisonteboauthor.com/ or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/allisonteboauthor/
Allison Tebo is a Christian writer committed to creating magical stories full of larger-than-life characters, a dash of grit, and plenty of laughs. She is the author of Break the Beast, an epic fantasy retelling of Beowulf, and the Tales of Ambia, a series of romantic comedy retellings of popular fairy tales. Her flash fiction has been published in magazines such as SplicketySpark and Saddlebag Dispatches and her short stories have been featured in anthologies by Inklings Press, Rogue Blades Entertainment, Pole to Pole Publishing, Editing Mee, Dragon Soul Press, and Ye Olde Dragons Publishing.
Allison also writes under the pseudonym Al Thibeaux and co-runs the speculative fiction e-zine Worlds of Adventure.
Allison graduated with merit from London Art College after studying cartooning and children’s illustration and, when not creating new worlds with words or paint, she enjoys reading, baking, and making lists.
You can find out more about her work at https://allisonteboauthor.com/ or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/allisonteboauthor/
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 26, 2025
Wow.
This anthology is truly special.
These really are mermaid (and undersea creature) stories like I've never read before. Even though I was the editor and compiler for this anthology, I was as enchanted and enthralled as, I know, every reader will be by this dazzling collection. I am so proud to be published in an anthology that is bursting with trope-defying stories.
Emily's meticulous worldbuilding, Danielle's mesmerizing meter, Hannah's shining hope, Anna's charming whimsy, Jane's gritty characterization, Olivia's fascinating originality, and my own goofy escapades come together in one very special, 50,000 word collection that explores The Realm Beneath in a way you've never seen before.
This anthology is truly special.
These really are mermaid (and undersea creature) stories like I've never read before. Even though I was the editor and compiler for this anthology, I was as enchanted and enthralled as, I know, every reader will be by this dazzling collection. I am so proud to be published in an anthology that is bursting with trope-defying stories.
Emily's meticulous worldbuilding, Danielle's mesmerizing meter, Hannah's shining hope, Anna's charming whimsy, Jane's gritty characterization, Olivia's fascinating originality, and my own goofy escapades come together in one very special, 50,000 word collection that explores The Realm Beneath in a way you've never seen before.
April 30, 2025
3 stars overall, but there were a couple I gave 4 stars! ⭐️ Clean Fiction (with some of the short stories have allegory nods) - Fantasy
Font snob note: I have to say that I loved whatever font was used for each of the titles at the beginning of each story. There’s something about it that tickled my brain just write for the style of this collection.
A couple of these stories might have taken me a page or two to understand the setting and what was going on, but I quickly understand and learned about that fictional world and I have to give my props to all the authors for that. These short stories are all around 30 or so pages and I had fun with this bind-up.
Halfway through I switched to listening to the audiobook and I think the narrator did great for all the ones I listened to! Overall a good short story collection and I will probaly get a copy because I really enjoyed most of them.
Just in case these ever get published separately, I’m going to keep my thoughts and the content info for each together instead of combined.
💧“The Song of Arion” by Emily Golus
3-ish ⭐️ - This one had really interesting types of merfolks and while I do wish the ending hadn’t been so abrupt, it felt a bit like a prologue, so perhaps that’s why? A little too violent and sad for my tastes personally, but the world building was interesting.
Content-
No magic, but the merfolks (?) are able to send out pulses to send out alarms to others because certain kinds can’t talk underwater; Some types of mermaids call other types “devils”; A mermaid comments on praying to the heavens for favor; Someone thought he could control Death, but found out that “Death had always been the master” and decides who it would take; A mention of someone possible being a spirit to take other away.
Being threatened and almost stabbed, Fighting (other merfolks and also killing a shark), Pain, Injuries, & Passing out (up to a few/handful of sentences); *Major Spoiler* ; Set after a war/battle and many merfolks dead, the main character took her niece and nephew to safety, but they lost other family members;
Many mentions of attacks, fighting, deaths, grief (including a pregnant mermaid for her husband & a mermaid for her husband and son), & violence; Mentions of injuries, blood, & sharks; A couple mentions of rumors.
💕 “The Mermaid Search” by Anna Christine
4 ⭐️ - I was most excited for this one and Allison Tebo’s stories in this collection as I’ve read books by both authors are really enjoyed them. This one was just as cute as I hoped! I needed it to be 100 pages longer, but as a short story it was still really cute.
Content-
Set in a contemporary setting where mermaids are said to be extinct, but Seb thinks he saw one; A conspiracy theorist that Iris and Seb meet believes half of the mermaids have been abducted by aliens and are space mermaids (they think he is crazy, but Seb later wonders if there really are aliens out there); *Major Spoilers* ; A couple mentions of ghosts;
Seb struggles with worrying about what others think about him; Seb’s parents are very factual and he doesn’t want to tell them about possibly seeing a mermaid because they’ll worry about his mental state; Mentions of a mother leaving her child; Mentions of kids teasing others over believing in mermaids (both Seb and Iris); A few mentions of lying/lies; A mention of teasing someone about drowning another; A mention of robbing a bank;
Very light romance; A couple embraces, hand holding, & blushes; Mentions of dates.
🔱 “A Fighting Chance” by Allison Tebo
4 ⭐️ - I didn’t know I need a mermaid heist story with a sassy sea sprite in my life, but huh, I guess I totally did. This was fun and like the prior story, it would be even better if longer or the start of a series.
Content-
Mermaids, shape shifting sprites, and sea dragons are the main characters in this story; The main character’s mother tasted dragon blood before birthing her (which gave her the ability to dive through Dark Water where the sea dragons live).
Minor language and name-calling like ‘idiot’, ‘stupid’, and ‘squid-brain’; Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Fighting & Killing a shark (up to a handful of sentences); Doing a heist in this book; Mentions of robbing others, thieves, jails, & con-artists; A few mentions of drugging others.
🦑 “Krakensong” by Olivia Gratehouse
2 ⭐️ - The author did really well explaining everything and all that was happening. I think it was just a miss for me because I didn’t know anything about orcs. I kept picturing a orca whales instead and then I made the mistake of looking up pictures of orcs and now I’m low-key terrified. 😅
Content-
Nör is an orc and prays for Hylla (the spirit of the sea) to help and protect her; Nör hears “the Song” of the ocean and when she’s in water, feels it in her; If someone gets a heart of a kraken they are able to control the magic that is in tune with the ocean for good weather or call down hurricanes on others; Nör is able to transform into have gills and live in the water for a bit of time (but it causes her major pain); *Spoilers* .
Also mentions of elves and gryphons; Fictional phrases like ‘how in Hylla’ and ‘Hylla preserve me’ are said.
Fighting & Trying to kill a kraken (major part of the story); Pain, Injuries, & Passing out (up to a handful of sentences); Nör has been a slave with others of her kind and wants to get revenge on the man who did this and cut off her tusks.
Mentions of murderers, thieves, & killing other creatures; Mentions of pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding (up to a few sentences); A mention of vomiting.
🗡️ “In My Blood” by Jane Maree
3 ⭐️ (audiobook) It was a little bloody/violent because of the gladiator theme (which I expected), but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one as someone who usually avoids gladiator or viking books. I thought the main character wrestling with what is right vs wrong was a well-written dilemma to the crown prince of a cruel king. Somehow the narrator did her voice kind of gritty for this story and it worked really well. I was shocked when the next story started because I thought it was a different narrator!
Content-
Set around the premise of criminals fighting for their lives/fighting to death in an arena against each other and against deadly creatures, so lots of seeing this and mentions of it all (including injuries and blood); Fighting, Killing monsters, Being Beaten/Attacked, Pain, Injuries, & Blood/Bleeding (up to a handful of sentences); Seeing a death (up to a few sentences); Being mocked and jeered at.
Someone tells Cassius that justice demands blood and he thinks about this; Cassius wrestles with the idea of the deaths that happen in the arena & how it’s viewed by others as a spectacle; Cassius wonders if the blood in him will make him like his father.
Mentions of Cassius having blood on his hands with many deaths done for his father; Mentions of murders, murderers, rebels, crimes, & criminals; Mentions of deaths & grief; Mentions of prisons & prisoners; Mentions of hatred; A few mentions of executions; A mention of Cassius practically worshiping his father.
🐴 “Loshed’Vo” by Danielle Bullen
3 ⭐️ (audiobook) I was afraid this one was going to be horribly sad, but it thankfully wasn’t. Still had the sadness that comes with the grief of the loss of a loved one, but also Nerida’s determination to provide for her daughter. I liked it overall.
Content-
No magic, just fantasy elements; Nerida finds a loshed’vo (horse of the water) which is described as of having seal-like skin.
A man tells Nerida that he knows grief becomes easier with time because of he knows “the God who sits with us in our grief”.
Finding an unconscious injured man (up to a few sentences); When a man goes to change the injured man’s clothing, Nerida turns to look away.
Nerida is grieving the death of her husband; Mentions of deaths (including by drowning/water) & grief; Mentions of injuries (up to a couple sentences); A couple mentions of men in their last moments in the sea (before death) & Nerida having nightmares of it; A mention of Nerida cursing.
🐚 “A Handful of Scales” by Hannah Kaye
3.5 ⭐️ (audiobook) I really liked the parallels to Christianity in this short story and even was reminded of Martha and Mary at times. Briony had to learn to let go and learn that all she needed to do was share the love of her Lord, not to be so busy with her duties that she loses the focus of what is important. I liked the message even if I found it a little strange to have mixed in with magic. I suppose it worked, however, and was honestly shocked by the audiobook ending so soon! I was expecting a little more and would read another book in this world or by this author.
Content-
Set under the sea, Briony is a rune mage and uses the scales of the Lord of the Mountain to do her spells (to protect her people, help others, etc.); The Lord of the Mountain is the one who saved Briony and marked her to do her job; Briony and the others live in a area from a mountain that the Lord created for all those who need a safe place to come; There are mermaids, nymphs, and sea elves; Briony uses the scales with her magic spells and wonders if it’s wrong to lead the others in a song of blessing when she only feels doubt.
When someone else asks Briony if she has an anchor when in trouble, Briony says that the Lord of the Mountain is who she turns to and holds onto (the questioner says she used to have such an anchor and looks at the gold band on her finger adding that she used to); When Briony visits the Lord of the Mountain, she isn’t sure if he actually speaks out loud or rather makes it where she can hear his thougths; The Lord of the Mountain says he will take care of everyone, that it isn’t her job (that her job is to show others his love);
Eye rolling; When stressed, Briony snaps at her daughter (but later apologizes); A couple fictional world curses/phrases are muttered or exclaimed (including ‘for the love of kelp’).
*Spoiler* ; Mentions of whalers, attacks, deaths, & injuries (up to a couple sentences).
Font snob note: I have to say that I loved whatever font was used for each of the titles at the beginning of each story. There’s something about it that tickled my brain just write for the style of this collection.
A couple of these stories might have taken me a page or two to understand the setting and what was going on, but I quickly understand and learned about that fictional world and I have to give my props to all the authors for that. These short stories are all around 30 or so pages and I had fun with this bind-up.
Halfway through I switched to listening to the audiobook and I think the narrator did great for all the ones I listened to! Overall a good short story collection and I will probaly get a copy because I really enjoyed most of them.
Just in case these ever get published separately, I’m going to keep my thoughts and the content info for each together instead of combined.
💧“The Song of Arion” by Emily Golus
3-ish ⭐️ - This one had really interesting types of merfolks and while I do wish the ending hadn’t been so abrupt, it felt a bit like a prologue, so perhaps that’s why? A little too violent and sad for my tastes personally, but the world building was interesting.
Content-
No magic, but the merfolks (?) are able to send out pulses to send out alarms to others because certain kinds can’t talk underwater; Some types of mermaids call other types “devils”; A mermaid comments on praying to the heavens for favor; Someone thought he could control Death, but found out that “Death had always been the master” and decides who it would take; A mention of someone possible being a spirit to take other away.
Being threatened and almost stabbed, Fighting (other merfolks and also killing a shark), Pain, Injuries, & Passing out (up to a few/handful of sentences); *Major Spoiler* ; Set after a war/battle and many merfolks dead, the main character took her niece and nephew to safety, but they lost other family members;
Many mentions of attacks, fighting, deaths, grief (including a pregnant mermaid for her husband & a mermaid for her husband and son), & violence; Mentions of injuries, blood, & sharks; A couple mentions of rumors.
💕 “The Mermaid Search” by Anna Christine
4 ⭐️ - I was most excited for this one and Allison Tebo’s stories in this collection as I’ve read books by both authors are really enjoyed them. This one was just as cute as I hoped! I needed it to be 100 pages longer, but as a short story it was still really cute.
Content-
Set in a contemporary setting where mermaids are said to be extinct, but Seb thinks he saw one; A conspiracy theorist that Iris and Seb meet believes half of the mermaids have been abducted by aliens and are space mermaids (they think he is crazy, but Seb later wonders if there really are aliens out there); *Major Spoilers* ; A couple mentions of ghosts;
Seb struggles with worrying about what others think about him; Seb’s parents are very factual and he doesn’t want to tell them about possibly seeing a mermaid because they’ll worry about his mental state; Mentions of a mother leaving her child; Mentions of kids teasing others over believing in mermaids (both Seb and Iris); A few mentions of lying/lies; A mention of teasing someone about drowning another; A mention of robbing a bank;
Very light romance; A couple embraces, hand holding, & blushes; Mentions of dates.
🔱 “A Fighting Chance” by Allison Tebo
4 ⭐️ - I didn’t know I need a mermaid heist story with a sassy sea sprite in my life, but huh, I guess I totally did. This was fun and like the prior story, it would be even better if longer or the start of a series.
Content-
Mermaids, shape shifting sprites, and sea dragons are the main characters in this story; The main character’s mother tasted dragon blood before birthing her (which gave her the ability to dive through Dark Water where the sea dragons live).
Minor language and name-calling like ‘idiot’, ‘stupid’, and ‘squid-brain’; Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Fighting & Killing a shark (up to a handful of sentences); Doing a heist in this book; Mentions of robbing others, thieves, jails, & con-artists; A few mentions of drugging others.
🦑 “Krakensong” by Olivia Gratehouse
2 ⭐️ - The author did really well explaining everything and all that was happening. I think it was just a miss for me because I didn’t know anything about orcs. I kept picturing a orca whales instead and then I made the mistake of looking up pictures of orcs and now I’m low-key terrified. 😅
Content-
Nör is an orc and prays for Hylla (the spirit of the sea) to help and protect her; Nör hears “the Song” of the ocean and when she’s in water, feels it in her; If someone gets a heart of a kraken they are able to control the magic that is in tune with the ocean for good weather or call down hurricanes on others; Nör is able to transform into have gills and live in the water for a bit of time (but it causes her major pain); *Spoilers* .
Also mentions of elves and gryphons; Fictional phrases like ‘how in Hylla’ and ‘Hylla preserve me’ are said.
Fighting & Trying to kill a kraken (major part of the story); Pain, Injuries, & Passing out (up to a handful of sentences); Nör has been a slave with others of her kind and wants to get revenge on the man who did this and cut off her tusks.
Mentions of murderers, thieves, & killing other creatures; Mentions of pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding (up to a few sentences); A mention of vomiting.
🗡️ “In My Blood” by Jane Maree
3 ⭐️ (audiobook) It was a little bloody/violent because of the gladiator theme (which I expected), but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one as someone who usually avoids gladiator or viking books. I thought the main character wrestling with what is right vs wrong was a well-written dilemma to the crown prince of a cruel king. Somehow the narrator did her voice kind of gritty for this story and it worked really well. I was shocked when the next story started because I thought it was a different narrator!
Content-
Set around the premise of criminals fighting for their lives/fighting to death in an arena against each other and against deadly creatures, so lots of seeing this and mentions of it all (including injuries and blood); Fighting, Killing monsters, Being Beaten/Attacked, Pain, Injuries, & Blood/Bleeding (up to a handful of sentences); Seeing a death (up to a few sentences); Being mocked and jeered at.
Someone tells Cassius that justice demands blood and he thinks about this; Cassius wrestles with the idea of the deaths that happen in the arena & how it’s viewed by others as a spectacle; Cassius wonders if the blood in him will make him like his father.
Mentions of Cassius having blood on his hands with many deaths done for his father; Mentions of murders, murderers, rebels, crimes, & criminals; Mentions of deaths & grief; Mentions of prisons & prisoners; Mentions of hatred; A few mentions of executions; A mention of Cassius practically worshiping his father.
🐴 “Loshed’Vo” by Danielle Bullen
3 ⭐️ (audiobook) I was afraid this one was going to be horribly sad, but it thankfully wasn’t. Still had the sadness that comes with the grief of the loss of a loved one, but also Nerida’s determination to provide for her daughter. I liked it overall.
Content-
No magic, just fantasy elements; Nerida finds a loshed’vo (horse of the water) which is described as of having seal-like skin.
A man tells Nerida that he knows grief becomes easier with time because of he knows “the God who sits with us in our grief”.
Finding an unconscious injured man (up to a few sentences); When a man goes to change the injured man’s clothing, Nerida turns to look away.
Nerida is grieving the death of her husband; Mentions of deaths (including by drowning/water) & grief; Mentions of injuries (up to a couple sentences); A couple mentions of men in their last moments in the sea (before death) & Nerida having nightmares of it; A mention of Nerida cursing.
🐚 “A Handful of Scales” by Hannah Kaye
3.5 ⭐️ (audiobook) I really liked the parallels to Christianity in this short story and even was reminded of Martha and Mary at times. Briony had to learn to let go and learn that all she needed to do was share the love of her Lord, not to be so busy with her duties that she loses the focus of what is important. I liked the message even if I found it a little strange to have mixed in with magic. I suppose it worked, however, and was honestly shocked by the audiobook ending so soon! I was expecting a little more and would read another book in this world or by this author.
Content-
Set under the sea, Briony is a rune mage and uses the scales of the Lord of the Mountain to do her spells (to protect her people, help others, etc.); The Lord of the Mountain is the one who saved Briony and marked her to do her job; Briony and the others live in a area from a mountain that the Lord created for all those who need a safe place to come; There are mermaids, nymphs, and sea elves; Briony uses the scales with her magic spells and wonders if it’s wrong to lead the others in a song of blessing when she only feels doubt.
When someone else asks Briony if she has an anchor when in trouble, Briony says that the Lord of the Mountain is who she turns to and holds onto (the questioner says she used to have such an anchor and looks at the gold band on her finger adding that she used to); When Briony visits the Lord of the Mountain, she isn’t sure if he actually speaks out loud or rather makes it where she can hear his thougths; The Lord of the Mountain says he will take care of everyone, that it isn’t her job (that her job is to show others his love);
Eye rolling; When stressed, Briony snaps at her daughter (but later apologizes); A couple fictional world curses/phrases are muttered or exclaimed (including ‘for the love of kelp’).
*Spoiler* ; Mentions of whalers, attacks, deaths, & injuries (up to a couple sentences).
Read
August 22, 2024This anthology is a riot of a time, each of the stories so different and unique. It's such a showcase of each author's personal style and strengths, in the most wonderful way! I'm excited to get to share these adventures with you all.
August 26, 2024
I read most of this collection in one sitting. Every story was wonderful and engaging. I'm not a water person. Never have been. But this collection captivated me. My favorite story was Krankensong by Olivia Gratehouse, though I thoroughly enjoyed every one of them and would recommend this collection to anybody who likes fantasy or fairytale fiction.
Thanks to The Realm Beneath crew for letting me read a free eARC of this. I'm definitely buying a copy.
Thanks to The Realm Beneath crew for letting me read a free eARC of this. I'm definitely buying a copy.
September 5, 2024
Thank you to the authors of the Realm Beneath for accepting me onto the ARC team and sending me a copy of the book!
Firstly, I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it took me back to the whimsical nature of my childhood. I’m someone who misses that part of my life and I often struggle to fit into the adult world since it feels as if all things whimsical, magical, and carefree aren’t supposed to be a part of the adult world. I adore books that pull me back into the whimsies of childhood and this book certainly did that. From tales of mermaids, sea sprites, a Kraken monster, sea dragons, pirate ships, and so much more, I knew young Bethany would have cherished this story. So thank you to @hkayewrites, @danielle.bullen.author, @thejanemaree, @oliviagratehouse, @allisonteboauthor, @artistannachristine, and @worldofvindor for merging my young years of wonderment with my older years of wonderment now.
Each author displayed their talent and skill within their individual story. From happy, carefree tales of mermaids and beaches to darker, thought-provoking tales of a widowed mother who finds something very special in the swamps, I found meaning and beautiful writing in each story. Each tale spoke something different to my mind and heart, which I appreciate. There was variety in the anthology, and I enjoyed reading each author’s unique but stunning writing. Also, I loved that each story had a moral or lesson, which is especially wonderful for young readers, but it most certainly educated me as an adult!
Finally, I cherished that the authors included Jesus Christ in their stories. Whether they used depictions or lessons of Christ, it touched me so much that Jesus was represented this in anthology. I’m so thankful for this 💙
If you’re interested in an anthology of fantasy and undersea delights mixed with artistic heart, this book is for you!
Happy reading,
Bethany the Bookworm Girl
Firstly, I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it took me back to the whimsical nature of my childhood. I’m someone who misses that part of my life and I often struggle to fit into the adult world since it feels as if all things whimsical, magical, and carefree aren’t supposed to be a part of the adult world. I adore books that pull me back into the whimsies of childhood and this book certainly did that. From tales of mermaids, sea sprites, a Kraken monster, sea dragons, pirate ships, and so much more, I knew young Bethany would have cherished this story. So thank you to @hkayewrites, @danielle.bullen.author, @thejanemaree, @oliviagratehouse, @allisonteboauthor, @artistannachristine, and @worldofvindor for merging my young years of wonderment with my older years of wonderment now.
Each author displayed their talent and skill within their individual story. From happy, carefree tales of mermaids and beaches to darker, thought-provoking tales of a widowed mother who finds something very special in the swamps, I found meaning and beautiful writing in each story. Each tale spoke something different to my mind and heart, which I appreciate. There was variety in the anthology, and I enjoyed reading each author’s unique but stunning writing. Also, I loved that each story had a moral or lesson, which is especially wonderful for young readers, but it most certainly educated me as an adult!
Finally, I cherished that the authors included Jesus Christ in their stories. Whether they used depictions or lessons of Christ, it touched me so much that Jesus was represented this in anthology. I’m so thankful for this 💙
If you’re interested in an anthology of fantasy and undersea delights mixed with artistic heart, this book is for you!
Happy reading,
Bethany the Bookworm Girl
September 18, 2024
This is a fun anthology! I haven't really read loads of books involving mermaids or other undersea fantasy creatures, which made this collection especially refreshing for me. Here's a little of what I thought of each of the seven short stories contained here:
+ "The Song of Arion" by Emily Golus had a marvelous theme of kindness triumphing over fear.
+ "The Mermaid Search" by Anna Christine had a great twist to it that made me want to reread the whole story to see it from a different point of view.
+ "A Fighting Chance" by Allison Tebo was heisty fun. I really enjoy heist stories, and this one also had a bit of a found family vibe, which I love.
+ " Krakensong" by Olivia Gratehouse had a cool concept, and I liked how it twisted some stereotypes.
+ "In My Blood" by Jane Maree had great character development, and I loved the gladiatorial vibes.
+ "Loshed'Vo" by Danielle Bullen was lyrical and haunting, and the inclusion of a magical horse of the sea really bumped this one up in my favorites list.
+ "A Handful of Scales" had a lovely message about trusting God to provide.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. I was not requested or required to review this book. All opinions stated here are mine and unvarnished.
+ "The Song of Arion" by Emily Golus had a marvelous theme of kindness triumphing over fear.
+ "The Mermaid Search" by Anna Christine had a great twist to it that made me want to reread the whole story to see it from a different point of view.
+ "A Fighting Chance" by Allison Tebo was heisty fun. I really enjoy heist stories, and this one also had a bit of a found family vibe, which I love.
+ " Krakensong" by Olivia Gratehouse had a cool concept, and I liked how it twisted some stereotypes.
+ "In My Blood" by Jane Maree had great character development, and I loved the gladiatorial vibes.
+ "Loshed'Vo" by Danielle Bullen was lyrical and haunting, and the inclusion of a magical horse of the sea really bumped this one up in my favorites list.
+ "A Handful of Scales" had a lovely message about trusting God to provide.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. I was not requested or required to review this book. All opinions stated here are mine and unvarnished.
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September 5, 2024Such a beautiful and fun anthology that I’m so honored to be a part of. Heartwarming, exciting, soft, funny, and inspiring tales await anyone willing to dive in and see what dwells in the realm beneath…or on the beach. Or in a swamp. So no matter what depth (or kind of story) you prefer, you’ll find something in this anthology for you <3
May 19, 2025
A great sea collection!
Each story is unique and full of its own characters and settings and adventures. I love seeing the humor in so many and the lessons in others. They each leave me wanting more!
Perfect read for Mer-May!
Each story is unique and full of its own characters and settings and adventures. I love seeing the humor in so many and the lessons in others. They each leave me wanting more!
Perfect read for Mer-May!
February 13, 2025
Getting to write for this anthology, and seeing my name alongside so many talented and amazing author friends, was an absolute dream come true for me.
Emily is a master of vivid worldbuilding, and her story of forgiveness and overcoming misunderstandings was a pleasure to read.
Of all the stories in this anthology, Anna’s is the sweetest and most comforting, like a much-needed rest on a summer afternoon.
Allison, as always, creates the most hilarious and memorable characters, and I was grinning and awwww-ing all throughout her story!
Jane grabbed my attention right from the start, with a heart-pounding adventure about redemption and doing what’s right in the face of adversity.
Danielle’s story was beautifully written and made my heart ache, while still leaving me with a sense of hope for the future.
Hannah actually succeeded it making me tear up with a story that hit VERY close to home, and reminded me that God’s grace is always sufficient.
Lastly is my own little orcish adventure, which I think is kinda maybe a little good. At the very least, it was an absolute joy to write, and I hope you all will find joy in it too. 🐙
Emily is a master of vivid worldbuilding, and her story of forgiveness and overcoming misunderstandings was a pleasure to read.
Of all the stories in this anthology, Anna’s is the sweetest and most comforting, like a much-needed rest on a summer afternoon.
Allison, as always, creates the most hilarious and memorable characters, and I was grinning and awwww-ing all throughout her story!
Jane grabbed my attention right from the start, with a heart-pounding adventure about redemption and doing what’s right in the face of adversity.
Danielle’s story was beautifully written and made my heart ache, while still leaving me with a sense of hope for the future.
Hannah actually succeeded it making me tear up with a story that hit VERY close to home, and reminded me that God’s grace is always sufficient.
Lastly is my own little orcish adventure, which I think is kinda maybe a little good. At the very least, it was an absolute joy to write, and I hope you all will find joy in it too. 🐙
November 29, 2024
The Mermaid Search by Anna Christine ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Such a sweet, well written story! I'm so happy to have read something more by this author, and I can't wait for what she does next.
I may read the other stories in this anthology at a later date and revise my rating.
Such a sweet, well written story! I'm so happy to have read something more by this author, and I can't wait for what she does next.
I may read the other stories in this anthology at a later date and revise my rating.
November 27, 2024
Some stories I liked, one I loved, and others I didn’t. I did genuinely love the theme and idea behind the book! I haven’t read any books based in an under water world that part was fun and intriguing!
October 2, 2024
From page one this book takes readers on a plethora of aquatic adventures from post-apocalypse refugees running from war to princes challenged in the virtues of true justice to zany heists, half-drowned sailors, and mermaids with rune magic! I enjoyed how each story explored the oceanic theme so differently and in such interesting ways I had never imagined before, carrying deep themes of hope, healing, mercy, faith, and love. A true gem!
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November 27, 2024Getting to be part of this book was a delight.
Getting to read this book was even more so.
Even after talking with all of these women for months about this project, it was still such a delight to get to read their stories, and to see all the different styles and flavors that came through in each one's work. Some were humorous, some gentle, some hard and all of them enjoyable, with a thought to leave with you. The way that short stories should be, if they possibly can.
I'm excited to have this book on my shelf, and to get to read these again on paper, because I plan to read them again. There are several in there that made me laugh out loud, several that caught me off guard with their sweetness and all with intriguing worlds. It's an honor to know that Lo'shed Vo is among them.
Getting to read this book was even more so.
Even after talking with all of these women for months about this project, it was still such a delight to get to read their stories, and to see all the different styles and flavors that came through in each one's work. Some were humorous, some gentle, some hard and all of them enjoyable, with a thought to leave with you. The way that short stories should be, if they possibly can.
I'm excited to have this book on my shelf, and to get to read these again on paper, because I plan to read them again. There are several in there that made me laugh out loud, several that caught me off guard with their sweetness and all with intriguing worlds. It's an honor to know that Lo'shed Vo is among them.
September 2, 2024
Perfect book for mermaid lovers!
September 11, 2024
A beautiful collection of short stories set in fantastical watery realms. I enjoyed every single one of them!
October 15, 2024
Reader’s Notes:
– this is a collection of short stories
– the rating given to the collection is based off the average of each story’s rating together
Reviews:
The Song of Arion by Emily Golus
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 stars)
Notes: this story occurs within the world of Emily Golus’s other books; there are 3 points of view (mainly 2 with a 3rd introduced for the ending)
I was a little lost on some of the finer parts of the story. By the end, I realized that this short story was in the same world as Emily’s other books and it began to make more sense overall. Though some of it I’m still a little lost on (and it’s been a little while since I last read one of Emily’s books, so that could be why?). I am mainly lost on the weird interaction when the first group discovered a character was kind to someone outside of the group.
Despite being a little lost, I enjoyed getting to read a story about mermaids! I loved that there was a quick lesson of sorts being told with it and that though the groups mentioned in the story were both under pressure, they were able to find a way to forgive for either’s past hurt (or perceived hurt).
The Mermaid Search by Anna Christine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
This was a cute contemporary-esque story! I loved the bond the main characters had and that they didn’t discount each other’s odd sounding stories in their search for the seemingly impossible. I loved the twist added in the middle and the happy ending too!
A Fighting Chance by Allison Tebo
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
Ooo! An underwater heist! I really enjoyed this one and the humorous side character that the main character wasn’t too sure about! 😂
Krakensong by Olivia Gratehouse
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
Notes: there is a little bit of fantasy violence
I found this short story to be unexpected in the best ways! I liked that I didn’t have a full history of the main character’s species but got bits and pieces as the story went on when it connected to something around them. I also really liked that the main character’s goal didn’t exactly change, but the way she was going to do it changed.
In My Blood by Jane Maree
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
Notes: there is a bit of fantasy violence (gladiators; rebellion)
I think I’d love to see a full length story set in a world like this one! I really liked that we got so much in such a short story & that it wasn’t overwhelming at all! I loved that the main character was able to see the error of how his life was being led in the kingdom and that he made the decision to change even though he wasn’t sure it would do much.
Loshed’Vo by Danielle Bullen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 stars)
Notes: it is mentioned that a character(s) are grieving a lost loved one
My biggest issue with this story is I really had no idea what one of the characters was saying, at all. 😅
But other than that, I enjoyed it. I liked that the main character was willing to help someone else in need even though she wasn’t sure how they’d react. I liked how the author described the baby’s coos and babbling as song, I thought it made the child even cuter! I also liked the bit of hope the author portrayed when it comes to being in a time of grieving through this story.
A Handful of Scales by Hannah Kaye
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 stars)
I would have liked a little bit more to this story, but it was still pretty good!
I enjoyed the story and the theme of trusting those in charge of you instead of assuming that everything is on you to do. I liked that the main character had her eyes opened a few times as she went on this journey to better ways to care for herself in the midst of her various jobs.
– this is a collection of short stories
– the rating given to the collection is based off the average of each story’s rating together
Reviews:
The Song of Arion by Emily Golus
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 stars)
Notes: this story occurs within the world of Emily Golus’s other books; there are 3 points of view (mainly 2 with a 3rd introduced for the ending)
I was a little lost on some of the finer parts of the story. By the end, I realized that this short story was in the same world as Emily’s other books and it began to make more sense overall. Though some of it I’m still a little lost on (and it’s been a little while since I last read one of Emily’s books, so that could be why?). I am mainly lost on the weird interaction when the first group discovered a character was kind to someone outside of the group.
Despite being a little lost, I enjoyed getting to read a story about mermaids! I loved that there was a quick lesson of sorts being told with it and that though the groups mentioned in the story were both under pressure, they were able to find a way to forgive for either’s past hurt (or perceived hurt).
The Mermaid Search by Anna Christine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
This was a cute contemporary-esque story! I loved the bond the main characters had and that they didn’t discount each other’s odd sounding stories in their search for the seemingly impossible. I loved the twist added in the middle and the happy ending too!
A Fighting Chance by Allison Tebo
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
Ooo! An underwater heist! I really enjoyed this one and the humorous side character that the main character wasn’t too sure about! 😂
Krakensong by Olivia Gratehouse
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
Notes: there is a little bit of fantasy violence
I found this short story to be unexpected in the best ways! I liked that I didn’t have a full history of the main character’s species but got bits and pieces as the story went on when it connected to something around them. I also really liked that the main character’s goal didn’t exactly change, but the way she was going to do it changed.
In My Blood by Jane Maree
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
Notes: there is a bit of fantasy violence (gladiators; rebellion)
I think I’d love to see a full length story set in a world like this one! I really liked that we got so much in such a short story & that it wasn’t overwhelming at all! I loved that the main character was able to see the error of how his life was being led in the kingdom and that he made the decision to change even though he wasn’t sure it would do much.
Loshed’Vo by Danielle Bullen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 stars)
Notes: it is mentioned that a character(s) are grieving a lost loved one
My biggest issue with this story is I really had no idea what one of the characters was saying, at all. 😅
But other than that, I enjoyed it. I liked that the main character was willing to help someone else in need even though she wasn’t sure how they’d react. I liked how the author described the baby’s coos and babbling as song, I thought it made the child even cuter! I also liked the bit of hope the author portrayed when it comes to being in a time of grieving through this story.
A Handful of Scales by Hannah Kaye
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 stars)
I would have liked a little bit more to this story, but it was still pretty good!
I enjoyed the story and the theme of trusting those in charge of you instead of assuming that everything is on you to do. I liked that the main character had her eyes opened a few times as she went on this journey to better ways to care for herself in the midst of her various jobs.
November 2, 2024
A nice little collection of undersea fantasy, perfect for when I needed a break.
The Song of Arion by Emily Golus: The worldbuilding in this was astounding, especially all the details that show the reality of living in an underwater environment. The story was an excellent exploration of conflict where both sides are sympathetic but misled.
The Mermaid Search by Anna Christine: A cute little urban fantasy story about kids searching for mermaids. Loved that this was a world where everyone knew magical creatures were real but believed they died out long ago.
A Fighting Chance by Allison Tebo: A fun comedy heist story that turns into a surprisingly sweet (and a bit salty) story of friendship. The characters are fun, and there's a vibe here that reminds me of Don Bluth films (I don't know why it's so specifically Bluth, but that's what it feels like).
Krakensong by Olivia Gratehouse: A revenge tale set in a fascinating world of oppressive elves and enslaved orcs. The details of the world were intriguing, and I appreciated how it flipped some fantasy tropes without being obnoxious about it.
In My Blood by Jane Maree: A gladiator story set in an undersea empire. The themes of choosing right despite your upbringing, even at great personal cost, were well-explored.
Loshed'Vo by Danielle Buller: An exploration of grief set in a seaside village. The atmosphere in this was amazing--lonely rocky coasts, tumbledown villages, fogs and mists and breaking waves and glowing worms.
A Handful of Scales by Hannah Kaye: Another very well-built world with lots of species and an interesting culture and a fascinating stressed-out main character. I'm not a fan of the God-figure being a dragon, but questionable imagery aside, the message was excellent and woven into the story very well.
The Song of Arion by Emily Golus: The worldbuilding in this was astounding, especially all the details that show the reality of living in an underwater environment. The story was an excellent exploration of conflict where both sides are sympathetic but misled.
The Mermaid Search by Anna Christine: A cute little urban fantasy story about kids searching for mermaids. Loved that this was a world where everyone knew magical creatures were real but believed they died out long ago.
A Fighting Chance by Allison Tebo: A fun comedy heist story that turns into a surprisingly sweet (and a bit salty) story of friendship. The characters are fun, and there's a vibe here that reminds me of Don Bluth films (I don't know why it's so specifically Bluth, but that's what it feels like).
Krakensong by Olivia Gratehouse: A revenge tale set in a fascinating world of oppressive elves and enslaved orcs. The details of the world were intriguing, and I appreciated how it flipped some fantasy tropes without being obnoxious about it.
In My Blood by Jane Maree: A gladiator story set in an undersea empire. The themes of choosing right despite your upbringing, even at great personal cost, were well-explored.
Loshed'Vo by Danielle Buller: An exploration of grief set in a seaside village. The atmosphere in this was amazing--lonely rocky coasts, tumbledown villages, fogs and mists and breaking waves and glowing worms.
A Handful of Scales by Hannah Kaye: Another very well-built world with lots of species and an interesting culture and a fascinating stressed-out main character. I'm not a fan of the God-figure being a dragon, but questionable imagery aside, the message was excellent and woven into the story very well.
August 31, 2024
This is such a beautiful book! I am so honored to have my little short story included with so many other talented writers. We've got mermaids, we've got krakens, we have sea dragons, we have stories on the coast, in the depths, and everywhere in between. We have comedy, we have heart, we have drama, we have allegory, we have politics, we have tacos, we have a full-on underwater heist. If you're looking for undersea tales unlike any you've read before, be sure to pick up this collection when it launches in October!
July 11, 2025
This was a very mixed bag of stories. Some I liked, some not so much. I really enjoyed The Mermaid Search by Anna Christine.
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