There’s something undeniably mystical about the sea. While writing Sea Magic, I was reminded of the ocean’s vast power and the sense of mystery hidden beneath its depths. Naturally, I had to include the infamous Penbrook Mermaid in my novel.
Mermaids have always captivated my imagination, and I’m not alone. Throughout history, these sea creatures have appeared in folklore from nearly every culture. Since The Odyssey, sailors have reported encounters with mermaids, viewing them as either good omens or harbingers of doom. Celtic traditions refer to these beings as Selkies—seal-women who shed their skins and walked among humans.
In 1837, Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid brought this mythical figure to a new generation, and Disney continued the legacy. Yet, mermaids have deeper roots, such as in African Vodoun (or Voodoo), where Mami Wata has been regaled as one of the most ancient and powerful deities. She resides in all forms of water—oceans, lakes, rivers, and ponds.
Mami Wata is often depicted as a mermaid embodying beauty, sensuality, and danger. Depending on her mood, she can bring good fortune or leave destruction in her wake.
In Dark River Magic, Sparrow, who comes from a long line of African Vodoun priestesses and healers, accidentally conjures an entity in a moment of drunken grief after her mother’s death. This being represents the darker side of mermaid mythology, but it is neither a goddess nor a deity.
Terrified, Sparrow flees New Orleans and seeks refuge in the fictional seaside town of Penbrook, Connecticut. And yes—the Penbrook Mermaid will appear in this second book of my series. She represents the more benevolent aspects of mermaid lore.
Ultimately, Sparrow’s battle with this dark entity forces her to awaken to her natural gifts and make life-altering choices. Stay tuned, I’ll provide more details in future blog posts!
