The Laughter of the Sun series
If Magic gave Nat Geo a kiss.
The Mermaid’s Wrath
Book One
The ocean is dying. It falls to a mermaid to save it.
The Mers are barely surviving in a magical marine bubble, isolated from the rest of the world. Jelly, warrior mermaid and hardened champion of sea life, is sworn to battle against the choking, accelerating pollution.
When the black pearl at Jelly’s throat wakes and opens her mind to terrifying premonitions, she realizes her only choice is to leave the ocean and collaborate with the estranged magical beings of land. A woman haunts her dark visions, abducted for the power in her veins, and Jelly might just be the key to this woman's freedom, and the salvation of the world.
As fate sends Jelly on a tumultuous journey, changing her life forever, will she survive the challenges of the surface?
This is not the little mermaid you grew up with.
The Mermaid’s Wrath is the first volume in The Laughter of the Sun series, and a tale of romantasy, mythology, and one mermaid’s battle against climate change.
Described as “The Hunger Games” meets “Moana.”
Click for full 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. 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.”
Joline Lim for Reedsy Discovery - 5 stars ‘Must Read.’
“The Mermaid’s Wrath by Andie Holman is a fiercely original eco-fantasy that blends mythology, rage, and activism into a sharp, heartfelt narrative… This book gives off the vibes of Moana meets The Hunger Games, with a dash of Princess Mononoke. Imagine a Studio Ghibli world, but darker and heavier with the weight of ecological collapse, and a heroine who’s had enough of pretending everything’s fine. It’s beautifully furious, tender in all the right places, and deeply necessary.”
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.”
The Sorrow of Bees
Book Two
Tell the bees, for they understand heartache.
Finalist N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Awards for Romantasy 2025.
Dark magic comes at a cost, one that Jelly, warrior mermaid, must pay. After enduring a brutal ritual to give her Fae powers, a vital piece of her soul goes missing. She must abandon everything and everyone to find it.
It is her journey alone.
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 be whole.
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.
The Sorrow of Bees is the second book in The Laughter of the Sun series written by eco-romantasy author Andie Holman.
“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.
Holman has penned another eco-romantasy 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.”
- N. N. Light's Book Heaven Editorial Review
An often rousing personal quest that will have audiences looking forward to the next book.
Holman’s second romantasy series installment has warrior mermaid Jelly learning how to take care of herself during another adventure with her new mate and family.
Jelly has been having premonitory dreams, including one involving her fated mate Mako’s long-lost brother, Leif. Years ago, Leif disappeared into the Hellhole, a dimension where only fully Fae people may go, and he never came back. His devastated family had all but given up hope of ever finding him again, but Jelly’s new magic strands—acquired when they last saved the world—have allowed them to contact Leif, and they’re determined to rescue him. But doing so will require Jelly to get her new magic under control by regaining part of her soul that went missing after their last escapade. Jelly must undergo the trial of visiting the Soul Seeker Sundidarta and finding her “yellow,” although she doesn’t know what that term means at first. All their friends gather to assist in the mission, including her best friend, Mori, who, it turns out, has her own self-discoveries to make.
The intricate details and personal growth of major and minor characters make for a welcome continuation of this saga. Holman’s new story can stand on its own, but it will likely compel newcomers to seek out the first volume in the series. That said, the fast-paced action can complicate readers’ efforts to keep all the characters and their backgrounds straight. Jelly’s realizations aren’t always insightful, but they effectively move the story forward: “I may only be one person, but when we act as a collective, we are mighty.” The detailed depth of the fantasy world will delight those who enjoy all-consuming magical realms that integrate cleanly with contemporary, nonmagical locales. Additionally, the nested narratives pertaining to bees are informative, if a bit preachy at times.
An often rousing personal quest that will have audiences looking forward to the next book.
-Kirkus Reviews
Book Three, The Unbearable Melt, coming early 2026.
The ice is shrinking.
Desperate for allies, warrior mermaids Jelly and Mori travel to the Arctic in search of the elusive Arctic Mers clan, known for their fierce nature. The Drifter, a wolf returning to his estranged home, reluctantly agrees to guide, knowing their magic will draw unwanted attention. His lover is a powerful Empathica, too attuned to the Arctic mysteries for her to go unnoticed.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, the Mages uncover an ancient curse of the Witches. Their search for answers takes them far back in time as they journey on the wings of ravens. Horrible pieces slide into place as they reveal the manipulation of the Dark Fae Princes, intent on destroying the goodness of humanity and the planet.