Do Mermaid YA Books Have Romance Like *To Kill A Kingdom*?

Dark mermaid YA books? Oh, I’ve fallen down that rabbit hole before! 'The Wicked Deep' has such a haunting vibe, and if you’re craving more eerie, aquatic tales, 'House of Salt and Sorrows' by Erin A. Craig might hit the spot. It’s more of a dark fairy tale retelling with sea spirits and murder mysteries, but the atmosphere is just as chilling. Then there’s 'To Kill a Kingdom' by Alexandra Christo—less lyrical, more brutal, with a siren princess who collects hearts. It’s got that enemies-to-lovers tension but doesn’t shy away from bloodshed. For something slower and more atmospheric, 'The Surface Breaks' by Louise O’Neill reimagines 'The Little Mermaid' with feminist horror undertones. The protagonist’s transformation is painful, both physically and emotionally, and the ending sticks with you. If you’re open to manga, 'Mermaid Saga' by Rumiko Takahashi is vintage horror—short stories about cursed mermaids and immortality gone wrong. It’s older but holds up with its creepy art and tragic twists. Honestly, dark mermaids are a niche that deserves more love—hope these scratch that itch!

I just finished rereading the 'Waterfire Saga' by Jennifer Donnelly and it's such a solid bet for this. The world-building is surprisingly political, with different undersea realms at war, which gives it more weight than a simple romance. The main character, Serafina, starts off pretty sheltered and has to grow into her power, which really works for the coming-of-age feel. It's got that classic quest structure but underwater, and the magic system tied to song spells is genuinely clever. I liked that the romance was present but didn't completely overshadow the plot about stopping an ancient evil. The series is complete too, which is a plus—no waiting years for a finale that might disappoint. Another one I'd throw in is 'The Lost Voices' trilogy by Sarah Porter. This one is darker. The mermaids here are girls who have suffered and been transformed, and they're kind of vengeful, luring ships to crash. The moral ambiguity of the protagonist, Luce, torn between her new family and her human past, makes it a more complex read. It's less about glittery tails and more about the haunting, almost monstrous side of the mythology. It's not a comfortable read, but it's memorable and different from the pack.

The allure of mermaids in YA literature is irresistible, and I've devoured so many over the years! One standout is 'The Siren' by Kiera Cass, which blends romance and mythology with a hauntingly beautiful underwater world. The protagonist’s struggle between duty and desire feels achingly real, and Cass’s lyrical prose makes every page shimmer like sunlight on waves. Another gem is 'Deep Blue' by Jennifer Donnelly, the first in the 'Waterfire Saga.' It’s packed with political intrigue, sisterhood, and epic underwater battles. The world-building is lush—think Atlantis meets 'Game of Thrones,' but with mermaids. Donnelly doesn’t shy away from darker themes, which adds depth to the glittering scales and coral palaces. If you crave something darker, 'To Kill a Kingdom' by Alexandra Christo offers a twisted Little Mermaid retelling where the 'princess' is a killer siren. The enemies-to-lovers arc is deliciously tense, and the oceanic lore feels fresh despite its roots in familiar tales.

If you loved the dark, angsty vibe of 'Hush Hush' with its forbidden love and supernatural elements, you might dive into 'Crescendo' by Becca Fitzpatrick next—it’s the sequel, but honestly, the whole series leans into that addictive tension between danger and desire. For something fresh, 'Fallen' by Lauren Kate hits similar notes with its brooding male lead and celestial mythology. I binged it in two nights because the chemistry between Luce and Daniel felt like it was ripped straight from a gothic daydream. Then there’s 'The Vampire Diaries' books by L.J. Smith—way before the TV show diluted the intensity. The love triangle here is messier, and the stakes feel higher, like someone’s always on the verge of dying (or undying). And if you’re craving more fallen angels, 'Unearthly' by Cynthia Hand offers a sweeter take but still packs emotional punches. Clara’s struggle between duty and love gave me the same heart-twisting ache as Nora’s choices in 'Hush Hush'.

the one that truly got its hooks into me was 'The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea' by Axie Oh. It’s not strictly a mermaid tale—more a retelling of a Korean folktale with a sea god and vengeful spirits—but the mythological sea creature romance vibe is undeniably strong and executed with such lyrical grace. The protagonist’s sacrifice and the slow-burn tension with the enigmatic sea god just absorbed me completely. For something with more classic fins and scales, 'Deep Blue' by Jennifer Donnelly starts a series that’s like underwater political fantasy with a romance subplot. It didn’t fully click for me—the world-building sometimes felt a bit crowded—but I know tons of readers who adored the sisterhood and the stakes. My more contrarian take is to skip the obvious and look at 'To Kill a Kingdom,' which is a dark, gritty Little Mermaid retelling where the 'mermaid' is a siren princess tasked with stealing a prince's heart, literally. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is sharp and brutal, far from the sugary stuff. I found the atmosphere more compelling than a lot of the softer options floating around. Honestly, the term 'mermaid' can be a bit limiting. Exploring adjacent 'sea creature' or 'selkie' romances, like in 'The Wicked Deep' where sirens are central, often yields more unique and moody stories that satisfy the same craving for oceanic love and danger.

If you loved the sweet, heartfelt vibe of 'What Light,' you’ve gotta check out 'The Sun Is Also a Star' by Nicola Yoon. It’s got that same blend of romance and real-life stakes, but with a more poetic, almost fate-driven twist. The characters feel so genuine, and their chemistry is electric—like you’re right there with them, rooting for every moment. Another gem is 'To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before' by Jenny Han. It’s lighter but equally charming, with that cozy, small-town feel and a protagonist who’s easy to adore. The way Han writes family dynamics and first love is just chef’s kiss. For something a bit more bittersweet, 'They Both Die at the End' by Adam Silvera mixes romance with existential depth, making every page hit harder.

I’ve been obsessed with YA romance for years, and the key to writing it like a pro is making the emotions feel raw and real. Start with relatable characters—flawed, messy, and full of heart. Think 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green or 'To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before' by Jenny Han. Their protagonists aren’t perfect, but that’s what makes their love stories so gripping. Dialogue is huge; it should crackle with chemistry or tension, depending on the scene. Settings matter too—whether it’s a small town or a boarding school, the world should feel alive. And don’t shy away from tropes like enemies-to-lovers or fake dating; just give them a fresh twist. Most importantly, YA romance thrives on hope. Even if the ending isn’t perfect, it should leave readers believing in love.

Fantasy books about mermaids often weave romance into their narratives, and it’s one of the reasons I keep coming back to them. There’s something inherently poetic about love stories set in the ocean—forbidden romances between humans and merfolk, or even tensions between different underwater kingdoms. Take 'The Surface Breaks' by Louise O’Neill, for example, which reimagines 'The Little Mermaid' with a darker twist. The romance isn’t just a side plot; it’s tied to themes of sacrifice and autonomy. Even in lighter reads like 'To Kill a Kingdom,' the enemies-to-lovers dynamic between a siren and a pirate adds layers to the adventure. That said, not all mermaid tales prioritize romance. Some, like 'Into the Drowning Deep' by Mira Grant, focus more on horror and survival, though even there, subtle bonds between characters hint at deeper connections. It really depends on the author’s focus. If you’re craving swoon-worthy moments, you’ll find plenty, but if you prefer your fantasy with more teeth (or scales), there are options for that too. Personally, I love how these stories balance myth and emotion—it’s like diving into a daydream with fins.