📖 Overview
The Last Mermaid spans three time periods - 531 AD, 1721, and the present day - to tell interconnected tales of mermaids and the men they encounter. The stories take place in Scotland's remote western isles, centered around a legendary underwater palace.
In medieval times, a mermaid meets a Celtic warrior during a period of clan warfare and Viking invasions. The 18th-century narrative follows a pirate captain searching for treasure and a mysterious woman with ties to the sea. The modern-day story features a marine archaeologist investigating ancient legends about merfolk.
Each section stands alone while contributing to an overarching saga about love, destiny, and the intersection of myth with reality. The novel combines historical events, Scottish folklore, and romance across the centuries.
The Last Mermaid explores timeless themes of sacrifice and transformation, weaving together questions about the nature of identity and the power of stories passed down through generations. The book suggests that ancient legends may contain more truth than modern society acknowledges.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this book as three interconnected romance stories spanning different time periods, linked by a mermaid mythology and Scottish setting.
Readers appreciated:
- The atmospheric descriptions of Scotland
- Smooth transitions between the three timelines
- Strong female characters
- The blend of romance with fantasy elements
- Well-researched historical details
Common criticisms:
- The final/modern story feels weaker than the historical sections
- Some romance scenes are repetitive
- Character development lacks depth in places
- Pacing drags in the middle sections
One reader noted "The first two stories were enchanting but the contemporary section lost momentum." Another mentioned "Beautiful prose but needed tighter editing."
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.2/5 (150+ ratings)
Barnes & Noble: 4.0/5 (40+ ratings)
Most readers recommend it for fans of historical romance who don't mind supernatural elements.
📚 Similar books
The Mermaid's Sister by Carrie Anne Noble
A girl whose sister transforms into a mermaid embarks on a journey through a magical Victorian world to save her from those who would exploit her power.
The Seafarer's Kiss by Julia Ember This Norse mythology retelling weaves the story of a mermaid who forms a pact with Loki to pursue a shield-maiden she loves.
The Pisces by Melissa Broder A woman's life intersects with a mysterious swimmer who appears nightly at the beach, blending contemporary reality with mythological elements.
Surface Tension by Meg McKinlay A girl uncovers secrets about her town's submerged past and its connection to water spirits while swimming in the lake that covers her old home.
The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen This story follows a coastal town resident who becomes entangled with a mysterious newcomer connected to the sea's ancient legends.
The Seafarer's Kiss by Julia Ember This Norse mythology retelling weaves the story of a mermaid who forms a pact with Loki to pursue a shield-maiden she loves.
The Pisces by Melissa Broder A woman's life intersects with a mysterious swimmer who appears nightly at the beach, blending contemporary reality with mythological elements.
Surface Tension by Meg McKinlay A girl uncovers secrets about her town's submerged past and its connection to water spirits while swimming in the lake that covers her old home.
The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen This story follows a coastal town resident who becomes entangled with a mysterious newcomer connected to the sea's ancient legends.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌊 "The Last Mermaid" spans three different time periods: 531 AD, 1721, and the present day, weaving together three interconnected love stories.
🏰 The novel draws heavily on Scottish folklore and mythology, particularly the legends of selkies - mythological creatures that can transform from seals into humans.
💎 Author Shana Abe specializes in paranormal and historical romance novels, and is particularly known for her bestselling Drakon series about shape-shifting dragons.
🗺️ The book's historical segments are set in the Hebrides, a group of islands off Scotland's western coast that have long been associated with mermaid legends and sightings.
👑 The story incorporates elements of actual Scottish history, including the significance of clan warfare and the impact of English rule on Highland culture.