Move over, Ariel, because these 24 YA Little Mermaid retellings are about to make a splash! Tell-all sea witch origin stories, dark fairy tales laced with siren calls, and summer lovin’ romances on the sand—these books about mermaids will have you belting out Sebastian’s iconic line, “Darling, it’s better down where it’s wetter” in no time. So, grab your trusty dinglehopper and get ready to bring a whole new meaning to “Under the Sea.”

So why should I read YA Little Mermaid Retellings? We totally get it. You’ve been singing along to Disney’s 1989 animated film for as long as you can remember. You’re afraid these reimaginings might not live up to your childhood nostalgia or, worse, they’ll tarnish the magic of the original story. But fear not because we’ve got four reasons that will ease your worries and leave you yearning to be “Part of Your World.”

1. The Original Little Mermaid Is Actually a Story About Queer Love
Ever wondered who wrote the original Little Mermaid? The truth will surprise you. It wasn’t the Grimm Brothers, as you might expect. Nope, it was none other than the visionary Danish wordsmith himself, Hans Christian Andersen.

But what’s more, some history buffs have uncovered evidence that Andersen may have actually been queer. Yes, it’s true! A series of letters exchanged between the Danish author and the son of his professional benefactor gives rise to a tantalizing theory; could The Little Mermaid be a tragic metaphor for his forbidden gay love? Talk about making waves!

2. The Original Little Mermaid Story Ending is Junk
Curious about what happens at the end of the OG Little Mermaid? Hold on to your seashells because it’s no Disney “happily ever after.” Instead of sealing the deal with her prince charming, the mermaid ends up yeeting herself overboard and turning into sea foam. Can we get a refund?

It’s a good thing YA Little Mermaid retellings have got our backs. These modern adaptations are all about ditching the depressing foam party and giving our beloved Ariel the ending she truly deserves.

3. Go Beyond The Disney Movie
Let’s face it: With the Disney live-action movie now in the world and the extraordinary talent of Halle Bailey now gracing our screens, we’ve caught a serious case of mermaid fever.

If you’re anything like us here at The Nerd Daily, then you’re scrambling for more deep-sea adventures alongside Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastian, and Flounder. Forget the predictable two-hour movie; these mermaid books turn the 90s classic completely on its head and give us so much more than nostalgia.

4. The Perfect Beach Read for Summer
Picture this: You’re chilling by the pool, the sun kissing your skin, with a delicious, fruity drink in hand. Life is good, right? Well, almost. There’s one crucial item missing from this Instagram-worthy scene: the perfect beach read!

But no worries, my fellow mermaid enthusiasts, because we’ve got just the thing for you: YA Little Mermaid retellings. These books will transport you to sun-soaked beaches, dazzling ocean depths, and mythical underwater realms that scream summertime vibes. Seriously, all you need now is a real-life mermaid tail!

Sea Witch by Sarah Henning
If you’re looking for an atmospheric reimagining of The Little Mermaid, then the search is over. In this Ursula origin story, dive into the haunting depths of a young sea witch’s transformation, tangled friendships, and a dark enchantment that is destined to change the fate of an entire kingdom.

The Surface Breaks by Louise O’Neill
The Handmaid’s Tale meets The Little Mermaid in this razor-sharp feminist fairy tale retelling that punches the patriarchy right where it hurts. Laced with the darkest of undercurrents, The Surface Breaks is about blistering rage, brutal misogyny, and one young mermaid who dreams of freedom.

To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Swashbuckling pirates, murderous Sirens, and a high-stakes quest to save the world—what more do you need?
In this dark Little Mermaid retelling written by the author of Into the Crooked Place, a deadly siren princess and a ruthless pirate prince must work together to save everything they hold dear. Combine that with the enemies-to-lovers trope, and you’ve got an irresistible YA fantasy romance on your hands.

Part of Your World by Liz Braswell
What if Ariel had never defeated Ursula? In this Little Mermaid sequel, enter a parallel universe where King Triton is out of the picture and Ariel reigns as the majestic queen of Atlantica. But now our favourite redhead faces an impossible task: she must find a way to save Prince Eric and reverse the curse that binds her to the sea.

Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
Are you utterly desperate for a diverse YA Little Mermaid book? Then look no further than this West African-inspired fairy tale reimagining. Simi is a devoted Mami Wata, a mermaid entrusted with guiding the souls of those lost at sea. However, when a living boy is cast overboard, Simi finds herself entangled in a perilous journey where vengeful gods, ancient decrees, and shadowy forces converge.

Poor Unfortunate Soul by Serena Valentino
With over 18,000 ratings on Goodreads, it’s safe to say that Poor Unfortunate Soul is the ultimate Ursula fanfic. To put things simply, Serena Valentino has written a twisted villain origin story that will have you crying, “Spells, Ursula, please!” We guarantee you’ll never look at the infamous sea witch the same way again.

Prince of Song and Sea by Linsey Miller
Were you crushing hard on Prince Eric as a kid? No worries, you weren’t alone. For anyone who’s ever wanted a book from Prince Eric’s POV (what the heck was he thinking when he saw Ariel’s ridiculous sail dress?!), then this YA Little Mermaid retelling written by the author of The Game and Belle Révolte is for you.

Against the Tide by J. Elle
Inspired by Disney’s live-action reimagining of The Little Mermaid and written by the bestselling author of the Wings of Ebony series, Against the Tide is the fairy tale prequel you never knew you needed. Full of messy family dynamics, black girl magic, and unexplained kidnappings, this mermaid story takes you to Ariel’s grotto and beyond.

Kitsune by Nicolette Andrews
Ever imagined Ariel as a Japanese fox spirit? No? We hadn’t either, but now we don’t have to because that’s exactly what this Japanese-inspired YA book is all about. So if you love to binge-watch anime, adore Julie Kagawa’s The Shadow of the Fox, or have a visit to Japan on your bucket list, then Kitsune is sure to make a splash in your TBR pile.

Kiss of the Selkie by Tessonja Odette
Out of all the YA Little Mermaid retellings on this list, Kiss of the Selkie is the one we’re the most excited about. Pitched as ACOTAR meets Bridgerton and The Selection, this standalone fairy tale reimagining has got enemies-to-lovers romance, The Bachelor vibes, snarky fae royals, and Scottish-inspired mythology.

Drown by Esther Dalseno
Seven emotionless princesses + a malicious witch haunted by memories + a handsome, self-mutilating prince = an eerie YA book about sirens that will keep you perched on the edge of your beach towel. A complete reinvention of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, Drown is not your mother’s Little Mermaid bedtime story.

The Little Homo Sapiens Scientist by S.L. Huang
Rejoice, science fiction lovers! If you prefer the wonders of the future over fantasy realms, this sapphic Little Mermaid retelling written by the author of The Water Outlaws and Burning Roses should be on your radar. Enter a dystopian world teeming with whosits and whatsits galore, where a government scientist falls in love with her genetically engineered mermaid experiment and has to pay the price.

The Little Android by Marissa Meyer
Any superfans of The Lunar Chronicles out there? Then this one’s for you. Written by Marissa Meyer, this futuristic Little Mermaid novella casts our favourite redhead as a star-crossed android named Mech6.0. But when Mech6.0 saves the life of a handsome hardware engineer, her circuits start doing strange things…is this what humans call “falling in love?”

Atlantia by Ally Condie
Forget everything you thought you knew about The Little Mermaid because this YA dystopian novel from the author of Matched is about to flip the script! Sure, there aren’t any mermaids in this post-apocalyptic world, but don’t let that discourage you. Loosely inspired by the famous mermaid fairy tale, Atlantia is about a girl who must unleash her long-muted siren voice and take down a corrupt system that keeps the land and sea unfairly divided.

The Little Mermaid’s Voice: A 1912 Titanic Fairy Tale by Shonna Slayton
Hold onto your life jackets, folks! This incredible mash-up of The Little Mermaid and the legendary Titanic will have you saying, “Jack and Rose who?” Set 100 years after the events of the original Little Mermaid, this YA fairy tale sequel follows Ariel’s niece as she navigates the turbulent waves of love and tragedy aboard the ship of dreams.

The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson
Who needs knights in shining armour when you have a badass noblewoman with killer pipes? The Little Mermaid meets Robin Hood in this medieval YA reimagining where a daring heroine disguises herself as a mute servant to escape a grim fate. But when she meets the charming Lord Westley, things go from quiet to swoon-worthy.

The Mermaid by Christina Henry
From the author of Lost Boy comes a historical fairy tale about a mermaid who leaves the sea for love and later finds herself in P.T. Barnum’s American Museum as the real Fiji mermaid. However, leaving the museum may be harder than leaving the sea ever was.

Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama
This 2013 Odyssey Award Nominee combines mermaids, the 1800s, and ghosts for a dark Little Mermaid retelling that is anything but your stereotypical paranormal romance. It’s got creepy churchyards, a repulsive mermaid queen, a woman who drowned in a sarcophagus, and underwater doll graveyards. So if you’re in the mood for a bone-chilling summer read that will send shivers down your sunscreen-covered spine, then Monstrous Beauty is the mermaid book for you.

When Oceans Rise by Robin Alvarez
Meet Malaya, a seventeen-year-old submerged in a toxic relationship and feeling disconnected from everyone. But when she seeks solace in the sea, she gets thrown into a world of alternate timelines and Filipino mythological creatures. With a raw exploration of gaslighting and abuse, this diverse YA Little Mermaid retelling packs an emotional punch and sheds light on how one might be stripped of their power.

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler
It’s time to rock those shades, slather on the SPF, and get tangled up in this modern Little Mermaid tale. When talented singer Elyse loses her voice in a tragic accident, she finds solace in a charming Oregon beach town. But when a playboy sailor enters the scene, can Elyse confront her fears and find her voice again? Perfect for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, this fluffy YA romance is the ultimate poolside companion.

Coral by Sara Ella
Depression, anxiety, and emotional trauma, oh my! Coral is a contemporary new twist on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved—yet tragic—fairy tale. This powerful narrative explores mental health from multiple perspectives and questions what it means to be human in a world where humanity often seems lost.

Fathomless by Jackson Pearce
Dark fairy tale lovers, where you at? Because this twisted Little Mermaid retelling is darker than Ursula’s lipstick and full of soulless monsters to boot. Celia, a girl with an unexplained connection to the ocean, finds herself tangled in a dangerous game with the spine-chilling sirens of the deep. Dive in if you dare, but beware, because once you enter the seductive world of Pearce’s Fathomless, there’s no turning back.

The Seafarer’s Kiss by Julia Ember
A kickass lesbian Viking? Check. A gender-queer God of Lies? Check. A bisexual mermaid? Check. Beluga whales? Double check. Yup, this sapphic Little Mermaid book inspired by Norse mythology has got all you need for Pride Month.

Sea Foam and Silence by S.L. Dove Cooper
A queerplatonic Little Mermaid retelling told in verse from the perspective of an asexual Ariel? Don’t mind if I do. Follow Maris, a curious young mermaid, as she races against time to unravel the enigmatic mysteries of love. Will she find the answers she seeks, or will she become mere foam upon the waves?

Have you read any of these YA Little Mermaid Retellings? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 24 of the Best YA Little Mermaid Retellings To Read appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Out of Character by Annabeth Albert
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Red, White & Royal Blue meets Fangirl in this heartwarming romcom where two former friends strike an unlikely bargain that could lead to more than either expected.

Flash Fire by TJ Klune
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In the second installment in this hilarious contemporary fantasy trilogy, Nick has landed himself the superhero boyfriend of his dreams but with new heroes arriving in Nova City it’s up to Nick and his friends to determine who is a friend or a foe.

Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson
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From the author of You Should See Me in a Crown comes another stunning novel about being brave enough to be true to yourself, and learning to find joy even when times are unimaginably dark. Packed with irresistible romance, Rise to the Sun is a cinematic story about grief, love and the remarkable power of music to heal and connect us all.

What We Devour by Linsey Miller
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Beauty and the Beast meets Wicked Saints in this standalone dark fantasy from the author of Mask of Shadows duology and Belle Révolte.

Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier, illustrated by Val Wise
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Annie, a smart anti-social lesbian involuntarily joins the cheerleader squad to make friends and reconnects with her former friend BeeBee, a trans girl who must keep her parents happy to keep their support of her transition. Sparks fly when the two rekindle their friendship and realize just how much they’ve been missing each other.

Fresh by Margot Wood
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Some students enter their freshman college year knowing exactly what they want to do with their lives. Elliot McHugh is not one of those people. Fresh is all about Elliot’s hilarious yet flawed experiences during freshman year.

The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould
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A YA supernatural thriller about two girls who fall in love when they team up to stop an evil presence terrorizing a smalltown – a story about the things that lurk in the dark, the parts of you that can’t remain hidden and about finding home in places – and people – you didn’t expect.

Anything but Fine by Tobias Madden
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Anything but Fine is about a teenage ballet dancer who breaks his foot and begins to question everything he once took for granted, including his relationship with the dreamy, perfect-in-every-way, and seemingly straight captain of the rowing team.

The Hollow Heart by Marie Rutkoski
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Intrigue, romance and magic abound in this heart-stopping conclusion to Marie Rutkoski’s Forgotten Gods duology.

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
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n this witty and heartwarming romantic comedy—reminiscent of Red, White & Royal Blue and One to Watch—an awkward tech wunderkind on a reality dating show goes off-script when sparks fly with his producer.

The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros
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David Levithan meets Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All in this haunting standalone historical fantasy that follows a young, queer Jewish immigrant who is possessed by the evil spirit of his murdered best friend and is catapulted into a deadly hunt for a serial killer terrorizing Chicago during the World’s Fair of 1893.

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
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 A Man Called Ove meets The Good Place in this delightful new queer love story from TJ Klune, author of the New York Times and USA Today bestseller The House in the Cerulean Sea. By turns heartwarming and heartbreaking, this absorbing tale of grief and hope is told Klune’s signature warmth, humor and extraordinary empathy.

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World
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The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an achingly romantic, tender tale sure to captivate fans of Adam Silvera and Mary H.K. Choi. 

The Insiders by Mark Oshiro
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Award-winning YA author Mark Oshiro makes their middle grade debut in this queer coming-of-age story about three kids who don’t belong, a room that shouldn’t exist, and the year that will change everything.

City of Shattered Light by Claire Winn
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In this YA sci-fi, an heiress flees her controlling father to prevent her test-subject sister’s mind from being reprogrammed—but must ally with a smuggler to outwit a monstrous AI, gravity-shifting gladiatorial pits, and bloodthirsty criminal matriarchs to save her sister and their city.

Tink and Wendy by Kelly Ann Jacobson
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What happens when Tinker Bell is in love with both Peter Pan and Wendy? In this sparkling re-imagining of Peter Pan, Peter and Wendy’s granddaughter Hope Darling finds the reclusive Tinker Bell squatting at the Darling mansion in order to care for the graves of her two lost friends after a love triangle gone awry. 

Spin Me Right Round by David Valdes
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A sharp, funny YA debut that’s Back to the Future with a twist, as a gay teen travels back in time to save a closeted classmate’s life.

Briar Girls by Rebecca Kim Wells
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Cursed to kill all those she touches, Lena endures an isolated life on the run from her fellow humans. But when an enigmatic stranger offers to help her break the curse in exchange for her aid in waking a princess hidden in an enchanted forest, Lena embarks on a quest to win her freedom, no matter the cost.

Grimrose Girls by Laura Pohl
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The Descendants meets Pretty Little Liars. Four troubled friends, One murdered girl… and a dark fate that may leave them all doomed.

The Reckless Kind by Carly Heath
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A genre-defying debut, this queer historical YA centers a wild and reckless trio who fly in the face of small town tradition—full of compassion, love, and determination to live the lives of their choosing.

If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich
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For fans of What If It’s Us: two boys in America’s biggest boy band fall for each other while on their first sold-out European tour, and are forced to keep their relationship a secret.

The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinska
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The Wicked Deep meets House of Salt and Sorrows in this new standalone YA fantasy set in a snow-cloaked kingdom where witches are burned, and two enchantresses secretly compete for the heart of a prince, only to discover that they might be falling for each other.

Here’s to Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
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Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera reunite to continue the story of Arthur and Ben, the boys readers first fell for in the New York Times bestselling rom-com What If It’s Us.

The Coldest Touch by Isabel Sterling
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Elise, a mortal girl who feels the death of anyone she touches, and Claire, the vampire assigned to recruit her for the Order, as they team up to stop a paranormal killer and realize they might be falling in love.

What queer books have you picked up in the second half of the year or are looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post You Need These New 2021 Queer Book Releases To End The Year appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover just a few books releasing this month and tell us in the comments below if you’re looking forward to any of them!

The River Has Teeth by Erica Waters
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Lush and chilling, with razor-sharp edges and an iron core of hope, this bewitching, powerhouse novel of two girls fighting back against the violence the world visits on them will stun and enchant readers.

Curses by Lish McBride
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Curses is a quirky and delightfully fun gender swapped retelling of Beauty and the Beast that invites readers to explore what a fairy tale can look like outside of conventional gender roles.

Small Favors by Erin A. Craig
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From the New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows comes a mesmerizing and chilling novel that’s The Village meets Needful Things about what lurks in the shadows of the people you think you know.

The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass
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Get Out meets Holly Jackson in this YA social thriller where survival is not a guarantee.

The Monster of Her Age by Danielle Binks
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In a neo-Gothic mansion in a city at the end of the world, Ellie finds there’s room enough for art, family, forgiveness and love. A coming-of-age story about embracing the things that scare us from the author of The Year the Maps Changed.

When We Were Strangers by Alex Richards
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From the author of Accidental comes a gripping story about a teen grieving her father’s sudden death–and grappling with the shocking secrets he left behind.

Radha & Jai’s Recipe for Romance by Nisha Sharma
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To All the Boys I Loved Before meets World of Dance in this delectable love story that combines food, dance, and a hint of drama to cook up the perfect romance.

Flash Fire by T.J. Klune
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Flash Fire is the explosive sequel to The Extraordinaries by USA Today bestselling author TJ Klune!

You and Me at the End of the World by Brianna Bourne
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An addictive, smart, and swoony love story, this high-concept YA romance follows two teenagers as they discover that they are the last people left on Earth. It’s perfect for fans of John Green, Andrew Smith, Stephanie Perkins, A. S. King, Gayle Forman, and Adam Silvera.

What We Devour by Linsey Miller
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The eat-the-rich, deliciously dark fantasy you’ve been waiting for. A girl with the power of the banished gods must bind herself to a wicked Prince to save her crumbling world, as the poor are sacrificed to save the rich. It’s time for the wealthy to be devoured…

They’ll Never Catch Us by Jessica Goodman
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From rising star Jessica Goodman, author of They Wish They Were Us, comes a new fast-paced thriller about two sisters vying for the top spot on their cross-country team—until a teammate’s disappearance throws their lives off course.  

Summer in the City of Roses by Michelle Ruiz Keil
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Inspired by the Greek myth of Iphigenia and the Grimm fairy tale “Brother and Sister,” Michelle Ruiz Keil’s second novel follows two siblings torn apart and struggling to find each other in early ’90s Portland.

What July YA releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post July 2021 YA Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Our protagonist Lorena lives in a post-apocalyptic world in which humans long ago threw over their immortal tyrants—the Noble and the Vile—by consuming them to take their magic which later led to the birth of the noblewrought and vilewrought, their descendants who are born with the ability to use magic through sacrifices to the fragments of the immortal spirit residing in them. The former sacrifice from themselves to power their magic and the latter use sacrifices from others, leading to strict bindings put in place by the court and council to ensure they’re leashed and under control to perform only approved forms of magic. However Lorena has remained under the radar, growing up in the Wallows where her mother toiled under poor working conditions that caused her eventual death, then later moving to a small town known as Felhollow, the better to keep her dangerous secret hidden from those in power—she is a dualwrought, meaning she is able to use both Noble and Vile magic.

The story begins when Lorena’s long-held secret is discovered by the Heir to the Crown, Alistair Wyrslaine, after he witnesses her using her abilities to deter the soldiers who have come to Felhollow to serve a sacrificial warrant on her fiancé’s father. Alistair is a dangerous vilewrought feared by the people of Cynlira after destroying the free will of four thousand people as a child in order to crush a rebellion and now that he has Lorena in his sights, he won’t give her up. The Heir is determined to whisk her back to the capital of Cynlira so she can assist him with his experiments to shut the Door behind which the last of the Vile are imprisoned, and while Lorena is reluctant to work with him, she has little choice if she wants to help her future father-in-law avoid being a sacrifice to this Door ‘for the good of this great nation’.

What We Devour boasts an intricate magical system and richly layered worldbuilding that is rewarding for patient readers who can take the time to grasp the dense volume of information embedded in the text. Unfortunately it’s likely that this book will lose some of its audience because of its expansive lore which takes a bit of dedication to master or an ability to gloss over the convoluted magical terminology and absorb its meaning from context. The author doesn’t spell everything out plainly and expects you to pay attention and keep up which can be a challenge.

I originally put this down after struggling with the beginning, but once I picked it back up, I devoured the book overnight and haven’t been able to stop thinking about it ever since. It’s rare to see a YA novel that is primarily focused on capitalism and examining the questionable morality and ethics of its participants, from those at the top to even those in the lower classes who eke out shreds of power for themselves by contributing to the system of oppression over their fellows. Lorena is strongly opinionated about the despicability of the Crown, the council and common court, all of whom place value on human lives and determine which count as acceptable losses.

In the beginning, she is limited in power for all that she’s a dualwrought, but as the story progresses with her at Alistair’s side, she gains social prestige and begins moving in the upper tier of society, leading her to deliberate over how best to use her newfound power to change the status quo now that she’s gained access to the ruling class. This is a book that will have you thinking deep thoughts about power, who is best suited to exercise it and when is it justifiable (or can it ever be?) to wield power at another person’s expense. Clearly there is a rot at the core of Cynlira’s social structure, but is it Lorena’s right to strike it down and enact a new order in its place?

One of the more deliciously subversive aspects of this book is the cat-and-mouse relationship between Lorena and Alistair, which completely upends the usual dynamic between dark arrogant princes and regular down-to-earth girls that is traditionally depicted in YA books. Given his position as royalty, Alistair obviously starts off with the upper hand, but Lorena’s cunning tilts the scales in her favour as she subtly manipulates him into seeing from her perspective. It’s a thing of beauty to watch her work her wiles, especially as Alistair is aware to an extent of what she’s attempting, but as described by the author, he is ‘apathetic and curious’ enough to let her schemes play out to see where it leads. They have a beautiful, cut-throat romantic dynamic that is even more precious because of how it respects Lorena’s asexuality—she is reluctantly intensely drawn to Alistair as she becomes closer to this monstrous misunderstood villain. Most unexpectedly, he turns out to be someone who truly sees her and understands her, who respects her for who she is and what she’s capable of, who appreciates what she’s willing to give him and doesn’t push against her boundaries. Their scenes together have a razor-sharp tension and yet also a stark sweetness that asks the reader to invest in them, to root for this unlikely pairing to find their happy ending in the midst of all the turmoil and unrest.

A dark and brooding fantasy with an amoral asexual heroine, a charismatic villainous prince, and diverse secondary characters in a broken world steeped in gloomy and on a collision course with its ominous history. Readers who enjoy rich complex characters, difficult moral quandaries and political intrigue will relish sinking their teeth into this book.

What We Devour is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of July 6th 2021.

Will you be picking up What We Devour? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

From the author of Mask of Shadows comes a dark and intricate story of a girl who must tether herself to a violent ruler to save her crumbling world.

Lorena Adler has a secret—she holds the power of the banished gods, the Noble and the Vile, inside her. She has spent her entire life hiding from the world and her past. She’s content to spend her days as an undertaker in a small town, marry her best friend, Julian, and live an unfulfilling life so long as no one uncovers her true nature.

But when the notoriously bloodthirsty and equally Vile crown prince comes to arrest Julian’s father, he immediately recognizes Lorena for what she is. So she makes a deal—a fair trial for her betrothed’s father in exchange for her service to the crown.

The prince is desperate for her help. He’s spent years trying to repair the weakening Door that holds back the Vile…and he’s losing the battle. As Lorena learns more about the Door and the horrifying price it takes to keep it closed, she’ll have to embrace both parts of herself to survive.

“A triumphant dark fantasy, What We Devour serves up an incredibly smart magic system with a side of eat-the-rich energy.” —Rosiee Thor, author of Tarnished Are the Stars

The post Review: What We Devour by Linsey Miller appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi Linsey! Thank you for taking the time for this interview! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and The Game?

Of course! Thank you for talking with me. The Game is my fourth book but first thriller. I love assassins—the career (well, exploring it in fiction at least) and the game. I used to get in trouble for reading thrillers under my desk in school, and now I write them (and fantasies, too)! I love writing about nerds, friendships, and the morality of murder, and some of my favorite books growing up were crime novels I “borrowed” from my mother’s library haul.

Where did the inspiration to write a murder mystery come from?

Some of the first books I read as a teen were murder mysteries, so I’ve always wanted to write one. I played Assassins in college. The tension and ambition tied to the game felt like a natural fit for a mystery.

The Game is very different from your previous novels. Were there any challenges with the genre switch?

There were. I think I struggled a bit more with dialogue for The Game because it’s kids that you could theoretically run into. In fantasy worlds, there’s a bit of leeway. With The Game, I didn’t want to break the immersion by having Lia, Gem, or Devon sound outdated or unrealistic.

One of the aspects that really hit home in The Game was the pressures put on high school students. How did your high school experience play into creating the atmosphere of Lincoln High?

I remember high school as four years spent trying to develop my place in a world that wouldn’t last once graduation was over. Lia’s outlook and insecurities, her friendship with Gem, and her drive to be someone are pretty similar to my own experiences. The scholarships mentioned in The Game are real; I got to attend college because of one.

Parental and societal pressures are something that vary between families and schools, but I think that existential dread of “what do I do now that I’m an adult” is something that binds us all together around the age of eighteen. We spend years reducing ourselves to scores on a report card and having most adults tie our worth to class ranks and test scores only to suddenly be saddled with financial terror regardless of whether we succeeded in their eyes or not.

I really wanted to reflect that obsession, ambition, and fear in Lia because I feel like it’s an easy part to hyperbolize or disregard when writing about high school, but it’s still important even if it feels dramatic as an adult.

My high school years might not have been as deadly as Lia’s, but I think the mood of her high school experience is the same as mine.

What do you think your Assassins experience would be like if you played?

It would be short! I know this because my college played every year, and no matter how many grand plans I made, I always got tagged out between classes on day two or three. The occasional sprint from the lab to the cafeteria was always fun, though.

What has your creative process been like in this very weird year?

Weird and non-existent. I’ve found it particularly hard to write the connective tissue for my work. I’ve got lines and concepts, scenes and character arcs, but I can’t seem to focus long enough to make them into something. Major changes can really disrupt thought processes, and there’s a lot happening this year. Sticking to a schedule has really helped.

What does an average day of writing look like for you and do you have any items or rituals that are crucial to your writing process?

I usually try to write 9-5 or at least work on writing-related things during that time. I think my only rituals are probably drinking coffee and listening to the same song while I work. I cycle through songs until I find one that fits the mood of what I’m working on and then listen to it on repeat. It’s weird but it works for me.

In the past, I’ve often worked after going on a walk or walking to a café. Since that’s not possible now, working in different areas of my house and not just at my desk has been helpful.

Are there other genres that you’d like to explore in future projects?

Yes! I would love to write an adult fantasy and mystery novels. I have a bunch of little folders full of concepts, characters, and lines for them, and I hope I can find the time to truly work on them soon.

What have been your favorite reads of 2020 so far?

All of them? Scavenge the Stars by Tara Sim, Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee, The Silence of Bones by June Hur, The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown, Ink in the Blood by Kim Smejkal, You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson, Witches of Ash and Ruin by E. Latimer, and Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender.

Can you tell us about what you are working on next or any upcoming projects you can hint about?

I have a new standalone YA fantasy coming out in June 2021. While it’s not related to any of my other books, I think it follows in the thematic footsteps of Mask of Shadows and Belle Révolte. It’s dark, magical, and thrilling, and it’s something I had wanted to write for a long time.

It follows a young woman caught in the machinations of a bloodthirsty queen, her dangerously oblivious son, and a magical door that demands blood sacrifices in order to keep monsters at bay. I love it. I can’t wait to be able to share more about it with everyone.

Will you be picking up The Game? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Linsey Miller, Author of ‘The Game’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Every year, the seniors of Lincoln High play the game of Assassins to blow off steam and solidify bonds before going off to college. Lia Prince, who has spent her adolescence in the shadow of her older brother, has been planning and strategising on how to win the game and become a high school legend that’ll make her parents proud for years. With her meticulous research, best friend Gem, and crush Devon Diaz on her side, everything seems on track for Lia to achieve her goals. But then players in the game turn up murdered, one by one. With the stakes suddenly very real, Lia must unravel the mystery around the murderer before those closest to her are killed.

Let’s start with what this book has, which is some hefty triggers. First and foremost, the high school students are engaging in a game where they “kill” their classmates. Going into this book, I had the mindset of my own high school days, where games like this were played on darkened school grounds and was basically an elaborate game of tag. But Assassins in The Game is a little more complex and involves the use of water guns as a way to “take out” a target. At the first mention of guns, I started getting really concerned with where this book was going to go. And while I think Miller was able to work around it to keep the plot going (water guns, school is a safe zone, etc), I think readers should get more specific warnings about the way the game and “violence” towards classmates is discussed.

While there are other triggers to be aware of (graphic depictions of deaths, funerals, and panic attacks), there was one that actually played into one of the things that felt most real about the story: parental neglect and pressure. Lia has been worn down by poor parenting and the pressure to be more than her less than A+ self. Readers of any age will relate to the feelings of inadequacy and how they play into how we shape ourselves in our high school years.

The neglect and pressure of high school and Lia’s desire to win Assassins also brings forth a wonderful atmosphere of tension. Though the story does have some slow parts, the tension never leaves the story. Miller weaves a taught web of mystery over the game and ensuing murders. The narrative absolutely crackles with the stresses and anxieties of high school and delivers a realistic depiction of the pressures of being a student.

While Lia gets the most development, being the main character, the one who really shines through the story is Gem. As Lia’s best friend, Gem doesn’t get a huge spotlight, but they stood out nevertheless. Gem is non-binary and queer and it’s just who they are. Seeing diversity in gender and sexual orientation in a high school story, especially when handled in such a casual way, is a heartening thing to experience.

Unfortunately, not many other characters get much development, which makes it difficult to ultimately care for the outcome. I think a lot of this boils down to the length of the story. Clocking in at 240 pages, The Game is too long for a novella and too short for a well fleshed out novel. While Miller was able to keep a tense atmosphere with the murder mystery, there wasn’t much room left for world or character building.

While not always perfect, because no book can ever be, The Game is a quick and intriguing read. If you are looking for a taut murder mystery that will throw you right into the high school atmosphere, then this is the book for you.

The Game is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of August 4th 2020.

Will you be picking up The Game? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

If you loved American Horror Story 1984, you’ll die for this paperback original thriller mashup of Agatha Christie’s The A.B.C. Murders and Riverdale in which a game turns deadly with a killer who picks his victims one by one, letter by letter.

Every year the senior class at Lincoln High plays assassin. Lia Prince has been planning her strategy for years and she’s psyched that not only does she finally get to play, she’s on a team with Devon Diaz. But this year, the game isn’t any fun–it’s real. Abby Ascher, Ben Barnard, and Cassidy Clarke have all turned up . . . dead. Can Lia stop the ABC killer before he reaches D?

The post Review: The Game by Linsey Miller appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

When we think of Spotify, we tend to think about the latest albums from Halsey, Harry Styles, and other popular singers and bands, or we think about the hottest hits that are currently taking over the world. Little did most of us know, but there are also audiobooks on Spotify! Specifically, YA science fiction & fantasy novels!

Each audiobook is presented as a playlist and contains 100+ 3-4 minute tracks to make up the whole novel. They’re absolutely free and they are yours for the taking. So if you’re an avid fan of audiobooks, a beginner (just like me), or someone who wants to try audiobooks for the first time, this is your chance! Here are some of the YA SFF Audiobooks you can listen to on Spotify!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

16-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in the place of her sister to fight against 23 other tributes in an arena designed to kill them. Best thing is, the whole trilogy is available to listen to! (Clearly, this is the perfect chance to reread the trilogy before the release of its prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in May.)

Descendant of the Crane by Joan He

In this Chinese-inspired fantasy, a princess thrust into power tries to find her father’s killer, but not without facing a world filled with deception.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

What if you knew that you would cause your true love to die? Blue does and she never thought it would be a problem. But that was before she got caught in the strange world of the Raven Boys. (Just like The Hunger Games, the whole series is available on Spotify!)

Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah

Set in a post-apocalyptic world where life continues underwater, Leyla McQueen tries to do everything she can to rescue her father. But with the threat of unfathomable waters, a corrupt government, and a secretive and hotheaded companion, the mission will be a lot harder.

Nameless by Rebecca McLaughlin

In this first instalment of this electrifying fantasy series, Zo must figure out a way to keep her sister safe when she followed Zo into a suicide mission thought to enable her to seek revenge for the death of her parents.

Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller

Sal, a gender fluid thief, joins an audition to become a member of the Queen’s personal assassins to get revenge on the court. But as Sal succeeds in the competition, and wins the heart of a member of the court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future. Its sequel Ruin of Stars is also available on Spotify.)

Analiese Rising by Brenda Drake

When a stranger gives Analiese Jordan a list before he dies, it leads to her learning the truth about her godly ancestors and the deadly power she wields. Now, she finds herself in the middle of a war between gods who want to raise an army of the dead.

Smoke & Key by Kelsey Sutton

In this mysterious, dark world, people receive their names from whatever belongings they had when they fell out of their graves. Key is determined to discover the truth of her past, but she’s running out of time as someone starts burning others and they all stay dead.

The Last 8 by Laura Pohl

This high-stakes survival story revolves around eight teenagers who outlived an alien attack, only they seem to be more interested in hiding than fighting back. Its conclusion, The Last 7, is also available on Spotify!

Exo by Fonda Lee

Donovan Reyes, son of a Prime Liaison in an Earth ruled by aliens, gets abducted by a human revolutionary group determined to end alien control. But his dad never negotiates with the terrorists and he’s left alone with them. Even worse, if they kill Donovan, it could spark another intergalactic war Earth won’t survive…again.

That’s 10 YA science fiction & fantasy books in the palm of your hands! Try listening to them today (or for the rest of time while you’re stuck at home *wink*)!

Do you have any other suggestions? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 10 YA SFF Audiobooks You Can Listen To On Spotify appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you are looking forward to any of them!

The Antidote for Everything by Kimmery Martin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this whip-smart and timely novel from acclaimed author Kimmery Martin, two doctors travel a surprising path when they must choose between treating their patients and keeping their jobs.

The Last Smile in Sunder City by Luke Arnold
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A former soldier turned PI tries to help the fantasy creatures whose lives he ruined in a world that’s lost its magic in a compelling debut fantasy by Black Sails actor Luke Arnold.

The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Propulsive and addictive, and perfect for fans of “You,” The Other Mrs. is the twisty new psychological thriller from Mary Kubica, the New York Times bestselling author of The Good Girl.

Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Upright Women Wanted, award-winning author Sarah Gailey reinvents the pulp Western with an explicitly antifascist, near-future story of queer identity.

Belle Révolte by Linsey Miller
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of the Mask of Shadows duology comes a standalone fantasy where two young women must trade lives, work together to stay alive, and end a war caused by magic and greed.

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The secrets lurking in a rundown roadside motel ensnare a young woman, just as they did her aunt thirty-five years before, in this new atmospheric suspense novel from the national bestselling and award-winning author of The Broken Girls.

All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Set in a kingdom where danger lurks beneath the sea, mermaids seek vengeance with song, and magic is a choice, Adalyn Grace’s All the Stars and Teeth is a thrilling fantasy for fans of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval and Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series.

Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Hailed as a “marvel of a book” and “brilliant and unflinching,” Alexis Schaitkin’s stunning debut Saint X is a haunting portrait of grief, obsession, and the bond between two sisters never truly given the chance to know one another.

The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the award-winning author of Station Eleven, an exhilarating novel set at the glittering intersection of two seemingly disparate events-a massive Ponzi scheme collapse and the mysterious disappearance of a woman from a ship at sea.

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Critically acclaimed author Mia Sosa delivers a sassy, steamy enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy about a woman whose new job requires her to work side-by-side with the best man who ruined her wedding: her ex-fiancé’s infuriating, irritating, annoyingly handsome brother. Perfect for fans of Jasmine Guillory, Helen Hoang, and Sally Thorne!

Red Hood by Elana K. Arnold
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Elana K. Arnold, author of the Printz Honor book Damsel, returns with a dark, engrossing, blood-drenched tale of the familiar threats to female power—and one girl’s journey to regain it.

The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

After a storm has killed off all the island’s men, two women in a 1600s Norwegian coastal village struggle to survive against both natural forces and the men who have been sent to rid the community of alleged witchcraft.

What February release are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post February 2020 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

You can find Linsey on Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr, along with at her website.

Hi Linsey! Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi! I am a YA author who loves weird magic and morally gray characters. I pretended I didn’t want to write in college before realizing I was wrong and repurposing my biology background for fantasy. I love exploring how magic and medicine intersect and how far characters will go to get what they want. My debut novel Mask of Shadows, about a thief auditioning to be the next royal assassin, dealt heavily in revenge, morality, and identity. It was part of a duology, so working on Belle Révolte, a standalone, was challenging but fun.

If you could describe, Belle Révolte in just five words, what would they be? 

Queer magic nerds join revolt.

Your latest novel, Belle Révolte, is set to release February 4^th! Can you tell us what it’s about?

Belle Révolte is a standalone fantasy novel that draws from Reformation-era France and follows two girls, Emilie and Annette, in a nation on the brink of revolution. Emilie, the only daughter of a major noble house, wants to be a physician and study the noonday arts—healing and fighting—but is forbidden from pursuing such gruesome work. Annette, a country girl overworked and overlooked by her family, is unable to afford university to study the midnight arts—illusions, scrying, and divination. The two girls swap places. Emilie enters university as a hack, a commoner who uses magic so that their noble patrons aren’t worn down by the power, and Annette takes Emilie’s place at finishing school.

Their swap introduces them to the realities of their nation’s social circles, and the two girls are unable to look away from its flaws. They join the rebellion. But when their king instigates a frivolous war, they must work together to end it before the rebellion is crushed and the king’s continued reign is guaranteed.

What was your inspiration behind Belle Révolte?

There were a lot of small things that inspired me—science history, unions and protests, and magic systems that demand payment. A major one was the Reformation. It happened during a time of great economic and political turmoil. The Great Plague was hundreds of years before, but in its aftermath, people could suddenly bargain for higher wages and better conditions because there was no one else left to do the job. The invention of the printing press allowed for faster dissemination of rhetoric and propaganda. There were several large-scale revolts that ultimately failed but paved the way for future movements, and in France, there were, over and over across hundreds of years, major political figures that sacrificed personal identity and power in order to stop bloodshed (though there was still quite a lot of it).

I have always enjoyed heroes who weren’t classic heroes, and I knew I wanted to write about two girls who would be considered support characters in any other story. Emilie and Annette are the healer and the diviner. They’re not on the frontlines, but their actions are felt at the front. I was really inspired by the idea of two ambitious but ultimately normal girls who push themselves beyond their limits to do what they think is right.

I also knew that I wanted to write about an asexual character within a world where her aceness would affect her in a similar way to ours, so there are several contemporary inspirations behind the world building as well.

What was your favourite part to write? Was there anything you struggled with?

My favorite part was definitely the friendship. I love a good friendship in a book, and I had a lot of fun writing Emilie and Annette navigating their new relationships.

I struggled with the world building and magic and making sure that it was sufficiently explained enough to exist within a standalone but not too glossed over. The book actually started with a different magic system that was too complicated and confusing, and editing that was very needed but very hard. Magic systems should be intricately linked to the world and plot, so making sure everything still wove together smoothly was a struggle but definitely a worthwhile one.

Who was harder to write? Emilie or Annette? And why?

Emilie was definitely harder to write. She’s arrogant and verbose, a bit self-centered, and assumes everyone is out to get her. There were definitely sections with Annette that were hard to put to paper since they were so close to my heart, but I found it harder to write Emilie’s emotional scenes since she’s so emotionally closed off for most of the book.

I loved your writing style! It was bold and poetically thought-out. What are some exercises that helped you create such strong voices in your characters?

Thank you so much! I didn’t really do any specific exercises though I am sure there are names for the ways in which I prepped. Before drafting the book, I made character sheets that listed how Emilie and Annette’s voices would differ in vocabulary, sentence style, and figurative language.

Emilie’s well-educated and likes to show off, so she’s got a slightly more pretentious vocabulary with longer sentences and medical metaphors. I think her chapters are also about one hundred words longer than Annette’s on average. Annette’s educated and reserved, and she lacks Emilie’s self-confidence. She uses fewer words, more contractions, and prefers similes over metaphors. Her syntax is more similar to an American southern dialect. Emilie uses fewer colloquialisms than Annette, but as Annette studies at school, her voice becomes a bit more similar to Emilie’s.

I think it’s useful to keep in mind how your characters’ voices will grow or change over the course of a novel, so there were always new notes being added to those character sheets.

Do you have any advice for aspiring novelists?

Find your people. Whether they’re critique partners or not even in publishing, find the people who make you feel comfortable and safe. Writing is often a solitary job, and it helps to have people who you can go to for help and conversation. Let them help you, and don’t be afraid to write a first draft that fails.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?

Yes! I have another standalone fantasy coming in early 2021 about a young girl caught up in the machinations of a bloodthirsty queen, her violently oblivious son, and a magical door that demands blood sacrifices in order to keep demons from overrunning their world.

And another secret project that I’ll hopefully be able to tell you about soon.

And lastly, do you have any book recommendations for us? Authors?

Always! I love Tarnished are the Stars by Rosiee Thor, Beyond the Black Door by AdriAnne Strickland, Fragile Remedy by Maria Mora, If It Makes You Happy by Claire Kann, Ink in the Blood by Kim Smejkal, Running with Lions by Julian Winters, and Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee.

I cannot wait to read Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko, The Ninth Life by Taylor B. Barton, You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson, The Ghosts We Keep by Mason Deaver, Burn Our Bodies Down by Rory Power, Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas, A Miracle of Roses by Diana Pinguicha, Ruinsong by Julia Ember, and Dark and Deepest Red by Anna-Marie McLemore.

Will you be picking up Belle Révolte? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Linsey Miller, Author of ‘Belle Révolte’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

“My mother did not shackle me despite my last escape attempt. It didn’t matter—the corset, layers of satin and silk, and summer heat were chains enough. I was certain I would be the first young noble lady of Demeine to arrive at finishing school under the watchful eyes of two armed guards.”

I loved this opener! I could feel Emilie’s hatred for her noble life right from the beginning. It felt real and powerful. She is a girl that knows she can do better and doesn’t need to be stuck in her mother’s world. Relatable and very effective! From then on, I was engrossed in the plot. I wanted to know how Emilie was going to pursue the life she wanted and the stirring rebellion was the perfect, dark backdrop for her to figure it out. This set the mood and gave a very strong voice to this novel’s first main character.

“Illusions were, as far as I could tell, nothing but lies. My mother was a wonderful liar.”

I devoured Miller’s poetic and emotionally charged writing and I couldn’t wait to continue this story. The composition above reminded me of Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me series, and the reason I loved that series so much was the beautiful poetic prose mixed with a dark, war torn world and we see that again in here. The contrast between the beauty of the words mixed with the darkness of the actual story creates this undeniable pull that keeps you hooked. I envy this writing style immensely and this combination is very effective.

“I ate dirt as a child.”

This was a striking, bold, and harsh statement that rivalled Emilie’s introduction which made it the perfect intro to Belle Révolte’s second main character, Annette. The drastic differences between these two only worked to increase the idea of class divide and having two characters representing each world equally made this a balanced story.

I loved many things in Belle Révolte but I didn’t like the constant flow of names from both perspectives because it was too hard to follow. Many characters had specific strengths in either the noonday arts or the midnight arts and it was slightly confusing to remember who could do what and who knew who. I think this happened because of the sheer amount of female characters on Annette’s side as well as the male characters on Emilie’s side that all seemed to have two and three titles each. It was an information overload. That being said, I also found a slight issue with the idea that’s very common with rebellion and that’s the idea of one name for all those associated. In here Miller used the name “Laurel” for the resistance but there were too many scenes where members were referred to by that same name, which made it difficult to know all the members of the group and what each of them were told and when. I couldn’t keep it all straight. I feel like this choice made Miller’s writing suffer because there’s only so much you can use to try and describe a scene when the same name is given to many, especially given a large operation.

Despite these minor setbacks, I really enjoyed Linsey Miller’s newest novel, Belle Révolte and I give it an 8 out of 10! I look forward to reading more from her and I will definitely check out her other series called Mask of Shadows.

Belle Révolte is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers as of February 4th 2020.

Will you be picking up Belle Révolte? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Emilie des Marais is more at home holding scalpels than embroidery needles and is desperate to escape her noble roots to serve her country as a physician. But society dictates a noble lady cannot perform such gruesome work.

Annette Boucher, overlooked and overworked by her family, wants more from life than her humble beginnings and is desperate to be trained in magic. So when a strange noble girl offers Annette the chance of a lifetime, she accepts.

Emilie and Annette swap lives—Annette attends finishing school as a noble lady to be trained in the ways of divination, while Emilie enrolls to be a physician’s assistant, using her natural magical talent to save lives.

But when their nation instigates a frivolous war, Emilie and Annette must work together to help the rebellion end a war that is based on lies.

The post Review: Belle Révolte by Linsey Miller appeared first on The Nerd Daily.