11 Fantasy Books About Underwater Worlds
There’s something undeniably enchanting about stories set in vast, mystical underwater realms. From shimmering cities beneath the waves to fierce merfolk battles and ancient sea magic, these tales invite readers to plunge headfirst into otherworldly adventures. If you’re craving escapism that will sweep you off your feet and into the depths of the ocean, here are 11 spellbinding fantasy books featuring mesmerizing underwater worlds.
1. To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
👑 A dark and delicious twist on The Little Mermaid.
Lira is a ruthless siren princess with a collection of princes’ hearts. But when she angers her mother, she’s cursed to live as a human — right in the path of the formidable pirate prince, Elian.
💭 Why it captivates: The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is electric, and Christo’s lush descriptions of the underwater kingdom will make you feel the salt spray on your face.
2. The Deep by Rivers Solomon (with Daveed Diggs, William Hutson & Jonathan Snipes)
🌊 A haunting tale inspired by the unimaginable resilience of history.
Descendants of enslaved African women who were thrown overboard have created a thriving underwater society. Yetu, their historian, must confront her people’s painful past to bring peace to herself and her community.
💭 Why it stays with you: This book is both heartbreaking and empowering, with mesmerizing world-building and profound themes of memory and identity.
3. The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi
💧 Dystopian intrigue meets a desperate fight for survival in a water-starved future.
Though technically not fully underwater, Bacigalupi crafts a world where water is a scarce and precious commodity. The story follows a ruthless enforcer as he navigates politics, betrayal, and dangerous alliances.
💭 Why it’s gripping: This high-stakes thriller will leave you parched and breathless, questioning the lengths humanity will go to survive.
4. Beneath the Rising Tide by K. Karina
🌀 Merfolk, forbidden romance, and a war beneath the waves.
When fierce storms wreak havoc on coastal cities, ambitious scientist Nia teams up with a mysterious merman to uncover the truth. As their partnership deepens, so does their attraction. But danger looms in the deep.
💭 Why it hooks you: The romance is tantalizing, and the vivid depictions of the underwater battles are cinematic and unforgettable.
5. The Siren by Kiera Cass
🎼 A siren’s voice is both her curse and her salvation.
Kahlen is bound to serve the Ocean, luring unsuspecting humans to their watery demise with her siren song. But when she falls for a human boy, she faces a dangerous choice that could doom them both.
💭 Why it resonates: Cass captures the tension between duty and desire beautifully, crafting a heart-wrenching love story infused with enchanting oceanic lore.
6. Sea Witch by Sarah Henning
⚓ An origin story for the villain we all love to hate.
Evie, an outcast witch, harbors a dark secret about her best friend’s death. When a mysterious girl appears from the ocean, Evie must face the dangerous magic lurking beneath the waves.
💭 Why it enchants: Henning’s twist on the classic tale will have you rooting for a misunderstood heroine caught between love, loyalty, and destiny.
7. The Abyss Surrounds Us by Emily Skrutskie
🐙 Pirates, genetically engineered sea monsters, and a fierce heroine.
Cassandra trains Reckoners — fearsome beasts that protect ships from pirates. But when she’s captured by pirates herself, she must forge an uneasy bond with her captors and the monster she’s meant to destroy.
💭 Why it thrills: The high-seas adventure and slow-burn romance make this an addictive read for fans of action-packed fantasy.
8. The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
🌌 A love story that defies the depths.
A gender-fluid pirate and a high-born lady forge a perilous alliance aboard a treacherous ship. Beneath them lies a magical ocean teeming with secrets, including a captured mermaid who holds the key to their freedom.
💭 Why it stands out: Tokuda-Hall crafts a beautifully inclusive tale filled with vivid imagery, fierce love, and spellbinding magic.
9. Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant
🧜♀️ A chilling horror novel with deadly mermaids.
A research crew sets sail to uncover the truth behind a previous doomed expedition. What they find is far beyond their worst nightmares: beautiful, intelligent, and terrifyingly lethal mermaids.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: Grant’s mix of suspense and science fiction will leave you clutching your blanket — and questioning every ocean documentary you watch.
10. The Lost Kingdom of Zoralda by J.P. Douglas
🌿 A hidden underwater kingdom and a daring rescue mission.
Aria discovers an ancient map that leads her to the fabled lost city of Zoralda. But as she ventures into the depths, she becomes entangled in political intrigue and a forbidden romance with a mysterious merman prince.
💭 Why it’s mesmerizing: Douglas crafts a world brimming with magic, danger, and a romance that sweeps readers away like a rising tide.
11. Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
☠️ A fierce pirate heroine on a dangerous mission.
Alosa, daughter of the Pirate King, allows herself to be captured to search for a legendary map aboard an enemy ship. But her captors are no fools, and neither is Riden — the clever and infuriatingly handsome first mate.
💭 Why it hooks you: The sizzling chemistry and high-seas adventure make this a thrilling ride, with just enough underwater escapades to satisfy ocean lovers.
Ready to Dive Into These Magical Waters? 🌊
These books will immerse you in worlds where the waves shimmer with enchantment, and love blooms even in the most unexpected places. Which underwater fantasy novel swept you off your feet? Share your favorite picks — and let’s make waves together! 🌟
