Books Like...

'People of the Sea' by David Thomson is a captivating collection of folk tales that explore the interactions between people and seals along the coast of Scotland. Through the stories, the author delves into the rich folklore of the Selkie stories in Celtic culture, painting a vivid picture of real people at a specific point in history. The writing style is described as poetic and evocative, transporting readers to a past way of life that is rapidly disappearing, while also highlighting the melancholic yet wonder-filled tone that is characteristic of Celtic storytelling.

The author embarks on a journey along the western coasts of Scotland and Ireland, seeking out storytellers who hold the tales of the selchie selkie or sea folk. As modernization sweeps through these regions, the book also touches upon the loss of traditional storytelling practices and bardic arts, showcasing the struggle between reality and the otherworld in a changing world. not only presents folk tales but also provides glimpses into the lives of the people who shared these stories, making it a unique and immersive read for anyone interested in folklore and Celtic culture.

In Great Waters by Kit Whitfield is an alternate history novel set in an alternative Europe where mermaids, referred to as 'deepsmen', play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape. The story follows Anne, a royal family member who must navigate the complex dynamics between humans and deepsmen to maintain peace. The narrative switches between different perspectives, offering a unique exploration of themes such as religion, politics, and societal norms in a world where deepsmen are integral to the power dynamics.

The book is praised for its immersive world-building and intricate plot, blending elements of fantasy and historical fiction seamlessly. Kit Whitfield's writing style is described as unsentimental yet engaging, with a focus on character development and exploring the complexities of relationships between humans and deepsmen.

'Seven Tears Into the Sea' by Terri Farley is a modern take on the selkie myth, set in America on the Oregon Coast. The story follows Gwen, a seventeen-year-old girl working at her grandmother's inn for the summer, who falls in love with a mysterious boy who may be a selkie. The plot involves elements of romance, magic, and ancient myth, with themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as captivating, with vivid characters and a good story line that keeps readers engaged.

"A Pocketful of Crows" by Joanne Harris is a modern fairytale that weaves together elements of nature, love, loss, and revenge in a poetic and lyrical writing style. The story follows a nameless wild girl who falls in love with a young man from a village, leading to a tragic tale of obsession, betrayal, and dark magic. Divided into chapters that correspond to the months of the year, the book is filled with beautiful descriptions of nature and animals, creating a lush and immersive reading experience. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the power of words, drawing readers into a world that is both enchanting and darkly realistic.

"Secret of the Ron Mor Skerry" by Rosalie K. Fry is a subtle and calm tale that follows Fiona, a young girl returning to her grandparents on an island near her birthplace, the Isle of Ron Mor. As Fiona reconnects with her family, she uncovers the mystery of her younger brother Jamie, who was left behind in a watertight cradle and disappeared at sea. The story seamlessly transitions into a magical selkie tale, blending family history, island life, and the enchanting call of the sea, all narrated with simplicity and charm.

'The Selkie' is a unique novel that combines elements of fantasy and erotica, rather than traditional science fiction as expected from the authors. The story follows Jamie, a Selkie, who must reproduce with human women in order to save his endangered species living along the Scottish coastline. The plot delves into the complexities of relationships, loyalty, and the clash between different species, all while keeping readers engrossed with unpredictable turns and historical threads woven throughout the narrative.

Sealskin by Su Bristow is a captivating retelling of the selkie myth set in a small Scottish fishing village. The story follows Donald, a lonely and ostracized member of the community, who witnesses something magical one night while fishing. Through dark themes, flawed characters, and a fairytale-like narrative, Bristow weaves a tale of love, transformation, and forgiveness that transcends time and resonates with modern readers.

Bristow's writing style is described as lyrical and enchanting, immersing readers in the rugged beauty of the Scottish island and the lives of the characters. The narrative skillfully explores human nature, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships, creating a story that is both haunting and emotionally resonant.

Orfeia is a modern faerie tale that follows the journey of Fay Orr through the realms of London Beyond and London Beneath to rescue her daughter from the clutches of the Halloween King. The story is filled with elements of myth and folklore, woven together in a haunting and evocative narrative that blurs the lines between reality and dreams. Joanne Harris's descriptive writing style paints vivid images in the reader's mind, creating a mesmerizing and whimsical world where the boundaries of fantasy and reality are blurred.

The Brides of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanagan is a mystical and dreary story that delves into the consequences of our actions, selfish desires, and the cycles of abuse and poverty. The book explores the tragic inevitability of desire and depicts the unhealthy relationships and marriages on Rollrock Island, where men are enchanted by selkie women and women are trapped in servitude.

The writing style of Lanagan in The Brides of Rollrock Island is described as wonderful, lovely, and thought-provoking, with expertly imagined world-building and unique character names. The book is not a traditional narrative but rather episodic, showcasing moments of characters' lives filled with frantic desperation and a glimmer of hope towards the end.

"The Merman's Children" by Poul Anderson is a dark historical fantasy novel set in medieval Eastern Europe, where Christianity is encroaching upon the territory of the merfolk population. The story revolves around a group of half mer, half human siblings who are caught between the human and fae worlds, facing the dilemma of choosing which world to belong to. The book delves into the contrasting forces of Christianity and non-Christian supernatural elements, portraying the struggle as magic fades and Christianity gains dominance. The plot includes themes of romance, violence, and the impact of transitioning beliefs on the characters.

The writing style of Poul Anderson in "The Merman's Children" has been described as evocative, rich, and beautiful. The language used in the book is praised for being inspirational and capable of lingering in the reader's mind long after finishing the story. The book is noted for its gritty and disturbing portrayal of the medieval setting, with a mix of realism and fantasy elements that create a unique and memorable reading experience.