Holman weaves elements of humor, magic, romance, and environmental activism in a quirky ocean-set romantasy.

Jelly, a mermaid warrior native to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the North Pacific, assumes the role of unlikely eco-hero. Pollution, especially plastic waste, has devastated marine life and rendered mermaids infertile. To preserve their species, they’re sent on missions to conceive children with human men. Jelly, however, has been using these missions to investigate the sources of pollution. As a result, the ruling council, the Trident, arrests Jelly and puts her in a solitary magical prison. While locked away, an enchanted pearl, a family heirloom, forces Jelly to watch a horrifying tableau of nuclear bombs detonating in the ocean, destroying marine ecosystems, and mutating sea life over generations. Despite the grim subject, the author sets the scene with surprising levity, sprinkling aquatic puns throughout: “We were currently on the rocks”; “I floundered between hurt and anger”; and “I found her a little…salty.” The mermaid convinces the Trident to approve one more procreation mission, and she uses the expedition to ask the Serfecti (a powerful and secretive magical group of surface-dwelling beings) to help her convince humanity to stop contaminating the planet. Along with the Surfecti, she meets Mako, who is half mer and half fae; he trains Jelly to control her magical powers, which have been further enhanced by the pearl, and is the lead love interest. Romantasy tropes abound, like handsome cast members (sexy wizards Roan and Gray), and a well-endowed villainous prince and villain, Terrun (“His tight trousers left little to the imagination, especially as his excitement strained the fabric”).

Holman conveys her message of environmental conservation and protection throughout the novel. For example, after Jelly regroups with allies, including pal Simmi, they form a plan to confront ocean pollution. And Terrun’s attempts to capture Simmi, using magic that lets him possess marine animals, allows the author to highlight various forms of ocean life, including sharks. The author also uses solid storytelling and dramatic tension to keep the pages turning: In order to enhance her power and take on Terrun, save Simmi, and rescue all of humanity (which Terrun has targeted as irredeemable for the environmental damage they’ve already caused), Jelly performs a Coactus Fusionem, a dangerous ritual that could be fatal (which, of course, involves becoming physically intimate with Mako). This storyline ramps up the stakes and adds to the fun. With her newfound strength, will Jelly defeat Terrun, and subsequently use her influence to guide humanity in the right direction? As the story concludes, she even pitches an eco-friendly detergent to the local superstore. Overall, Holman (despite the whimsical premise and humorous voice) excels in giving the protagonist depth and motivation for her environmental activism, which is rooted in her mother’s early demise from cancer caused by plastic exposure. The adventure is also brought together with a well-rounded cast of side characters, such as a toxic ex and a loyal best friend.

A lighthearted novel that simultaneously features heavy environmental themes, multifaceted characters, and lots of charm.