Kiss of the Sea God

KISS OF THE SEA GOD is a cozy #OwnVoices story of queer possibility and love, set against a mythical backdrop inspired by 90’s anime films and folklore from Wren Rusić's Indian heritage.

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At the edge of the Nozômi Sea, the fabled beaches of the Kugorami Islands are stained with famine and blood. Nineteen-year-old prince Aranoto (Aran) is the last heir of the Samudara clan: a tribe of fishers and sea farers who have survived on the treacherous islands for centuries, in spite of increasing attacks from a deadly sea demon. 

 

After the death of his father, Aran must grow up and learn to be the leader he is destined to become, and the hero his tribe desperately needs. Because food is scarce, Aran secretly sails to dangerous and forbidden islands to fish, which further angers the demon—and Aran’s asshole of a boyfriend. Being the perfect son also requires Aran to uphold his family’s honour and outdated traditions, such as pacifying rival villages or participating in their islands’ popular spring games. Meanwhile, Aran battles his own vices and his newfound feelings for Noeru, a mysterious male pearl diver Aran meets one night after nearly drowning in the sea. But in order to be the next leader, Aran’s family forces him to marry the princess of a neighbouring village and relinquish his double life if his culture is to survive.

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Noeru helps Aran uncover the secrets of their archipelago and stop the demon attacks, while grappling with an abusive parent, and trying to find acceptance in the village. But the more Aran denies his feelings for Noeru, the worse the sea demon’s attacks become. Once the demon abducts Noeru, Aran must choose between following his heart or his heritage in order to save his loved ones—even if it means facing off against the Sea God herself. 

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KISS OF THE SEA GOD is complete at 115,000 words, and is a loose retelling of the original “The Little Mermaid” fairy tale. It features an Asian-inspired setting like Saints of Storm and Sorrow (Gabriella Buba), with gripping action scenes similar to She Who Became the Sun (Shelley Parker-Chan), and high stakes in the style of Lies We Sing to the Sea (Sarah Underwood). This is a standalone novel with series potential.