The Laughter of the Sun series
Where magic meets climate change
It starts in the ocean, with a mermaid furious about plastic pollution.
The world-building is based on current science, where the animals have a voice.
The stories are hopeful and funny, and have romantic subplots for character development, because if you can blow things up with the power of your scream, you’re bound to have some decent flaws.
Kirkus review for The Mermaid’s Wrath: “A lighthearted novel that simultaneously features heavy environmental themes, multifaceted characters, and lots of charm. Holman weaves elements of humor, magic, romance, and environmental activism in a quirky ocean-set romantasy.”
Read the full Kirkus review here.
Book One: The Mermaid’s Wrath
The ocean is dying. A mermaid vows to save it.
The Mers are barely surviving in a magical marine bubble, isolated from the rest of the world. Jelly, warrior mermaid and champion of sea life, battles against the choking, accelerating pollution, living beneath the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
When Jelly's mind opens to terrifying premonitions, she must leave the ocean, collaborating with estranged magical beings on land. She’s seen one of theirs in a vision, a woman abducted for the power in her veins, and Jelly is the key to this woman's freedom.
The black pearl at Jelly’s throat holds a secret. When it wakes, it sends Jelly on a tumultuous journey, changing her life forever.
Book Two: The Sorrow of Bees
Tell the bees, for they understand heartache.
Dark magic comes at a cost, one that Jelly, warrior mermaid, must pay. After a brutal ritual gives her Fae powers, a vital piece of herself is missing. She must abandon everything and everyone to find it.
If she fails her mission, her lover’s brother will never again see the sun, trapped in a horrifying dimension called the Hellhole. If she fails, her lover Mako may not forgive her. If she fails, she will never forgive herself.
She’s sent to a queendom so foreign she can barely breathe, transformed into a body she can’t possibly understand. Grappling with the enormity of her task, she struggles to appreciate the sorrows of the pollinators.
But she must if she wants to succeed.
Book Three coming this summer.
Cheers for The Mermaid’s Wrath.
N. N. Light’s Book Heaven editorial review: “Torn between saving the ocean and the humans above the surface, warrior mermaid Jelly must make the impossible choice. The Mermaid’s Wrath is a debut romantasy I couldn’t read fast enough. The descriptive narration is immersive with intricate world-building. The characters are relatable and leap from the page and into your heart. This is not the little mermaid you grew up on but a fierce warrior mermaid with a righteous temper. The Mermaid’s Wrath brings topics such as environmental pollution to light that will make you think about what happens long after you finish reading. If you’re looking for an original romantasy featuring a warrior mermaid, pick up The Mermaid’s Wrath. 5 stars.” Read the full review here.
Schicky5 on Amazon: “This debut book had so many layers of intrigue and mystery. Different mythical creatures fighting together for the greater good of land and sea. I really enjoyed the story because it had so much action and suspense.”
Loleans on Goodreads: “This book is an absolute masterpiece! I adored the author’s writing style and it kept me on edge every chapter. It was sexy without being smutty. The book also had a lot of fun facts which I really enjoyed. If you like a good fantasy book, an action packed story, a book with a message and an overall magical experience: This book is for you!”
Kirkus Indie review: “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.”
5 star editorial review for The Sorrow of Bees:
From N. N. Light’s Book Heaven.
“Jelly never realized her actions would manifest at such a cost. Now, she must put herself in danger in order to save her lover’s brother. Transformed, she has a colony of workers to care for and protect. Will she succeed or will the sorrow overwhelm her?
The Sorrow of Bees is a romantasy perfect for our times. It’s one of the most original stories I’ve ever read. Andie Holman takes us on a journey filled with emotional narration, magical world-building, characters who will captivate, all with an eco point of view. Trust me, you’ll never see bees in the same light.
Andie Holman has penned another eco-romantasy with emotional narration that will have you thinking long and hard about the story. It’s a poignant story that brings to light environmental issues but in an approachable way. Compassion and empathy will bubble up in your soul after reading The Sorrow of Bees.
These characters are the prime reason I recommend you reading The Sorrow of Bees. Jelly is a complex heroine with many layers. She’s got a lot of emotion buried within and not every reader’s cup of tea. But there are other characters you’ll enjoy.
The Sorrow of Bees is a bucket list read and one I recommend to all.”