Mermaid’s Return, Book 1 by A.L. Knorr: Myth Meets Magic
Overview of the Book
Length: Approximately 105 pages, first in the series.
Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Young Adult
Published: 2016, by Intellectually Promiscuous Press.
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Available On: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books
Mermaid’s Return has been translated to French.
A.L. Knorr’s Mermaid’s Return is the first book in a 3-book epic fantasy series. The books bring out the best of mythology, magic, and self-discovery. In this book, we follow the journey of a young woman who uncovers an old world beneath the waves that’s filled with wonder, danger, and long-hidden secrets. Here, mermaids are ancient beings with rich history and culture.
Delightful, smooth, and wonderfully crisp writing that captivates readers and draws them into the narrative effortlessly.
Knorr’s writing style is a delightful blend of accessible prose and evocative imagery, perfect for young adult readers. This is seen across her entire book catalog. Her descriptions of the underwater world are particularly noteworthy, painting a picture that transports readers beneath the waves. From the play of light through water to the diverse marine life, Knorr’s words bring the ocean to life in a way that’s almost tangible.
The author excels in creating a protagonist in Mira Belshaw, who tells us her story from a first person point of view. You can easily connect with her on an emotional level. Supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each with their own lives, motivations, and challenges. The end result is a rich, entertaining story.
10 Books Similar to “Returning: Mermaid’s Return”
“Flukes” by Nichole Chase
This book features a young woman named Meena who discovers she’s half-mermaid. Like Nixie in “Returning,” Meena must navigate between two worlds and come to terms with her identity.
Similarity: Coming-of-age story with a mermaid protagonist discovering her heritage.
“The Siren” by Kiera Cass
While not strictly about mermaids, this book deals with mythical sea creatures (sirens) and their interactions with humans. The protagonist, like Nixie, must balance her otherworldly nature with human relationships.
Similarity: Exploration of sea-based mythology and the struggle between two worlds.
“Of Poseidon” by Anna Banks
This story follows Emma, who discovers she has the ability to communicate with fish. She becomes involved with a race of ocean dwellers called Syrena.
Similarity: Young protagonist discovering hidden abilities related to the sea.
“Wake” by Amanda Hocking
Part of the Watersong series, this book features sirens rather than mermaids, but shares themes of supernatural aquatic beings and self-discovery.
Similarity: Young women dealing with newfound supernatural identities linked to the ocean.
“Tempest Rising” by Tracy Deebs
The protagonist, Tempest, knows she’s half-mermaid and must choose between land and sea on her 17th birthday. This mirrors Nixie’s dilemma in “Returning.”
Similarity: Half-mermaid protagonist facing a choice between two worlds.
“The Mermaid’s Mirror” by L.K. Madigan
Lena is drawn to the sea and eventually discovers her mermaid heritage. The book explores themes of identity and belonging.
Similarity: Young woman uncovering her connection to the sea and mermaid world.
“Forgive My Fins” by Tera Lynn Childs
A lighter take on the mermaid genre, this book features Lily, a half-mermaid princess living on land. It shares themes of dual identity with “Returning.”
Similarity: Half-mermaid protagonist balancing life between land and sea.
“Ingo” by Helen Dunmore
This book introduces readers to the mysterious underwater world of Ingo. The protagonist, Sapphy, is drawn to this world, much like Nixie is drawn to her mermaid heritage.
Similarity: Young protagonist drawn to a magical underwater world.
“Deep Blue” by Jennifer Donnelly
Part of the Waterfire Saga, this book is set in an underwater mermaid world. While different from “Returning” in setting, it shares themes of a young mermaid coming into her power.
Similarity: Young mermaid protagonist on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
“The Tail of Emily Windsnap” by Liz Kessler
Aimed at a slightly younger audience, this book follows Emily as she discovers she’s half-mermaid. Like “Returning,” it deals with themes of identity and belonging.
Similarity: Young girl discovering her mermaid heritage and learning to navigate between two worlds.
A Reader’s Opinion
After reading “Returning: Mermaid’s Return,” I can confidently say it’s A Good Book that shows great promise for the series. Books 2 and 3 .
What impresses me most is how Knorr takes familiar elements of mermaid lore and refreshes them with original ideas and contemporary relevance. If the book aims to entertain, it does exceedingly so - and in a simple yet enjoyable language.
While it may not redefine the genre, it’s a solid entry that will leave all readers - young and older - eager for the next installment. The world-building is intriguing, leaving plenty of room for expansion in future books.
If I have one critique, it’s that some secondary characters could use more development. However, this is a common challenge in the first book of a series, and I’m optimistic that anyone starting the Elemental Series and the Elemental Origin Series will develop an itch that can only be scratched by reading Knorr’s other books.