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The Sea in You
15-year-old Corinth was just trying to clean up the beach; she never expected to meet a mermaid, let alone be nearly drowned by one. It was the start of a very strange friendship! After Skylla, the deadly fanged mermaid, mysteriously lets Corinth live, they grow closer through a cautious exchange of stories, gifts, jokes, and sign language. Mermaids, it turns out, eat people, but however terrifying Skylla may look, she’s a little younger, a little smaller, and perhaps a little too soft for all that. Bewitched by Corinth and their growing bond, she learns about all the best things in life on books, burgers, donuts, and this strange chattering human sound called laughter. But a storm is brewing – both at sea and in Corinth’s increasingly dangerous relationship with her obsessively jealous boyfriend – and a magical bargain may be the only thing that can save her, at a tremendous cost. A whimsical dark fantasy retelling of “The Little Mermaid,” The Sea in You upends everything you thought you knew about magical creatures of the deep, on a whirlwind journey to a whole new world you’ve only dreamed of before!
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2015
About the author
Jessi Sheron
2 books9 followersJessi Sheron is an illustrator and comic book artist.
I've illustrated books such as
"Monster High: Meet the Ghouls", published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers
"Monster High: Ghoul Power", published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers
"Ever After High Class of Classics", graphic novel, published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers
"Princeless" short story collection, for Action Lab Comics.
Along with these, I do asset creation illustration, spot illustrations, and freelance work.
I also write and illustrate my own stories, such as "The Evil Queen" and "The Sea in you" and "Brown Rabbit White Rabbit"
I've illustrated books such as
"Monster High: Meet the Ghouls", published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers
"Monster High: Ghoul Power", published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers
"Ever After High Class of Classics", graphic novel, published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers
"Princeless" short story collection, for Action Lab Comics.
Along with these, I do asset creation illustration, spot illustrations, and freelance work.
I also write and illustrate my own stories, such as "The Evil Queen" and "The Sea in you" and "Brown Rabbit White Rabbit"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
December 3, 2022
This was absolutely precious. The artwork is stunning (especially the mermaids' character designs, and Skylla in human form—the sparkles! the shimmer! the colors!) and the characters, aside from Seth, are so lovable. Corinth is a little goth delight and I loved her so much. I'm a total sucker for the "inhuman character learns how to act human" trope, so I got a kick out of Corinth teaching Skylla things, but most of all, I absolutely cherished watching the relationship bloom between these two. I need more!
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
✨ Representation: sapphic romance; Corinth's mom is deaf; Skylla is mute as a human; multiple characters use American Sign Language (with some panels even teaching specific signs, such as finger-spelling Corinth's name); BIPOC side characters
✨ Content warnings for:
———
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Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
✨ Representation: sapphic romance; Corinth's mom is deaf; Skylla is mute as a human; multiple characters use American Sign Language (with some panels even teaching specific signs, such as finger-spelling Corinth's name); BIPOC side characters
✨ Content warnings for:
———
twitter | booktok | bookstagram | blog
November 1, 2022
Corinth was trying to clean up the beach when she met a mermaid and began a very strange friendship. I absolutely loved this book! One of my favorite reads this year. The art is adorable and the story drew me in instantly. I was not aware that this was a webcomic until after I had finished it, but even if you have read the comic online I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to get my hands on the physical copy! There is a very toxic relationship in the book, but it is handled with sensitivity.
5 stars
Creative Team:
Writer and Artist: Jessi Sheron
Letterer: Joamette Gil
5 stars
Creative Team:
Writer and Artist: Jessi Sheron
Letterer: Joamette Gil
July 4, 2023
"Here we go. Another human wonder! The library!”
Now entering my Mermaid era!
This book had spectacular art, it was well drawn, and the colors were vibrant. Very eye catching and it kept me glued to the story. The story was just as amazing. You instantly become invested in the characters lives because they are so lovable from the start. Paired together made this one that I couldn’t put down.
Now entering my Mermaid era!
This book had spectacular art, it was well drawn, and the colors were vibrant. Very eye catching and it kept me glued to the story. The story was just as amazing. You instantly become invested in the characters lives because they are so lovable from the start. Paired together made this one that I couldn’t put down.
September 2, 2024
3.50 | TENGO QUE ESPERAR POR LA SEGUNDA PARTE ME MATO
August 5, 2022
This is the cutest web comic i have ever read!
September 19, 2023
First of all, this art! So beautiful! Call me clueless, but I really didn’t see the direction this was heading in until it was actually there. I enjoyed it (did I mention the art!) and will hope there’s eventually a sequel.
February 3, 2023
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Corinth was just hanging out on the beach, alone as usual, when she met a mermaid. This weird encounter somehow morphs into a friendship. But between her jealous, abusive boyfriend, and her worried parents, things get even more complicated and the mermaid has her own problems to take care of.
The Sea in You was an interesting graphic novel. Some things in it I truly didn't expect, others were pretty conventional. Overall, it was a good read, with a cute romance though I felt like it went pretty fast on that front, I would have liked a slower burn I guess. I also enjoyed the relationship between Corinth and her parents. I love how the author included sign language and how it was portrayed. I also really liked the illustrations. Overall, it was a good book, I would have liked to be warned about the abusive relationship cause that was a lot but it was well-written.
Basically, it wasn't perfect and I wish it'd been more layered on some fronts but I still really liked it and will be reading whatever comes next.
Corinth was just hanging out on the beach, alone as usual, when she met a mermaid. This weird encounter somehow morphs into a friendship. But between her jealous, abusive boyfriend, and her worried parents, things get even more complicated and the mermaid has her own problems to take care of.
The Sea in You was an interesting graphic novel. Some things in it I truly didn't expect, others were pretty conventional. Overall, it was a good read, with a cute romance though I felt like it went pretty fast on that front, I would have liked a slower burn I guess. I also enjoyed the relationship between Corinth and her parents. I love how the author included sign language and how it was portrayed. I also really liked the illustrations. Overall, it was a good book, I would have liked to be warned about the abusive relationship cause that was a lot but it was well-written.
Basically, it wasn't perfect and I wish it'd been more layered on some fronts but I still really liked it and will be reading whatever comes next.
September 9, 2020
Reading online until book is released in print: http://theseainyou.com
December 18, 2023
This was at times uncomfortable but also really cute artwork and great representation with ASL - a twist on the little mermaid that loses her voice but can still communicate. It's also sapphic so that's a yay. Really, I just didn't like the last quarter or so of the book. I get why it went that way, but I guess I was hoping for a different ending. That being said, I would definitely pick up a graphic novel by this author in the future.
September 25, 2024
Interesting and unique while at the same time predictable. The art was great and while the story is based on a queer-ing of The Little Mermaid, it doesn't photocopy the plot which is nice, in part because it's much modernized compared to the story or the Disney movie. That said, the ending didn't surprise me at all and I was a bit disappointed by the lack of originality in it given everything that came before it.
October 15, 2023
This art is amazing! The story is so cute, it’s definitely a YA graphic novel, The Little Mermaid retelling is powerful with themes of toxic relationships and loneliness.
I loved every page of this powerful, beautiful story. I recommend it for anybody who loves sapphic stories, mermaids, and gorgeous art.
I loved every page of this powerful, beautiful story. I recommend it for anybody who loves sapphic stories, mermaids, and gorgeous art.
April 16, 2024
I loved the book until the end - it got ruined by the ending.
November 30, 2023
Oh! I loved that. I need a part 2 for real for reals.
April 29, 2024
It has traces of previous mermaid stories woven through, but the dazzling and warming story within makes it feel wholly original.
August 1, 2024
Beautiful illustrations and decent storyline
April 11, 2024
4.5 rounding down to 4.
If I knew there was gonna be a sequel, I would probably give this 5 stars. But it's been 9 years since this was first published, I'm not gonna hold too much hope of a sequel.
If I knew there was gonna be a sequel, I would probably give this 5 stars. But it's been 9 years since this was first published, I'm not gonna hold too much hope of a sequel.
September 30, 2023
lovely art, beautiful colors. i hope there will be a second volume because the ending surprised me!!
October 9, 2022
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
This is a nice retelling of the little mermaid, giving it a more gothic urban fantasy twist but still being bright and friendly. This is the first part - so you are only getting half the story here and it does end on a cliff hanger.Story: Corinth always felt like an outsider; when a hot rock singer wanna be at her new school takes a liking to her, she finally feels she found the 'home' she was looking for. Seth always says the right things to her - except when he doesn't. Then one day while cleaning the beach, she is attacked by a mermaid. The mermaid spares her for an unknown reason and the two begin a slow friendship. Problem is, Seth isn't ready for a third person in their relationship.
So yes, this is a retelling of the Little Mermaid (the original story, not the Disney version, obviously). The artwork is well done - very colorful and with panels that breathe and aren't overcrowded. Some scenes are a bit hard to understand, though, and need more segues to make the point. But the bright color motif and fun 'goth' influenced styles of the main characters more than make up for a few frustrations.
This is an easy and enjoyable read - great for a Summer afternoon. Just be aware that there will be a sequel and this is only half the story. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
November 24, 2023
Basically just the Little Mermaid story with a wlw relationship. The art was not my favorite but it was readable enough.
December 29, 2019
TW/CW: domestic abuse, toxic relationships
So, I just binged this entire series (up to date) and it is freaking gorgeous!
Goth girl meets mermaid - this webcomic has some gorgeous relationships, as well as some not so gorgeous ones. The art is spectacular and the whole story will hit you in the feels ❤
If you have some spare time, make sure to check it out on Tapas!
So, I just binged this entire series (up to date) and it is freaking gorgeous!
Goth girl meets mermaid - this webcomic has some gorgeous relationships, as well as some not so gorgeous ones. The art is spectacular and the whole story will hit you in the feels ❤
If you have some spare time, make sure to check it out on Tapas!
![Profile Image for Amanda [Novel Addiction].](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1415744673i/4886503._UX200_CR0,36,200,200_.jpg)
July 31, 2023
I dunno where all the mermaid love stories are coming from, but I am *here for it.*
February 15, 2024
'The Sea in You' is a beautiful graphic novel.
The art is phenomenal and gorgeous, and its characterisation, storytelling and pacing are lovely. It is a queer retelling of 'The Little Mermaid', and it is heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, and strangely realistic for all its fantastical, ethereal elements. It is still far from perfect, and it does end on a cliffhanger, but 'The Sea in You' is clever, nuanced, inclusive, diverse, harrowing, and did I mention fucking gorgeous to look at?
Seriously, check out the artwork: every panel is amazing and beautifully done. I can't begin to imagine how long it must have taken to draw, colour, make and put together everything for this sea-wonder miracle of a book to happen.
Teenage goth girl Corinth suddenly finds herself befriending a blue mermaid, whom she calls Skylla (the mermaids here are more monstrous than pretty), and through that bond - through teaching the quite literal fish out of water about the land, humans, foods, books, laughter, and sign language - she finds happiness in a way she never did with her abusive boyfriend Seth. Corinth knows sign language because her mother is deaf, and this form of communication helps Skylla out greatly as this 'The Little Mermaid' tale comes to a head. This one doesn't end in tragedy, per say, but it ends on a bizarre, topsy-turvy twist that is unique and kind of satisfying for someone like me who never liked the ending to the Disney version, cliffhanger notwithstanding.
I dare not reveal anything else concerning the plot.
Poor Corinth is very sensitive. She cries a lot, and reprimands and blames herself for a lot of things, very much like how an abuse victim would. I'm happy that at least she has loving, caring and supportive parents. It's sort of scary how much I related to her. Skylla can be a bit much, and possessive and overprotective of Corinth, but that can be excused by her not being human and coming from a rough undersea, literal monstrous family, where it's an overt predator-and-prey world. And her big heart is in the right place, and she cares for Corinth as deeply as the deepest coral-filled ocean, unlike the terrible Seth.
'The Sea in You' may well have it all: beauty, cuteness, terror, trauma, showcasing toxic and abusive relationships (that was very rough to read about), family, books and libraries, fashion, all the emotions, and girls bonding. And the dangerous sea, and mermaids! Magical mermaids!
'The Sea in You' is the second comic I've read and liked this year - this week, to be precise - to star a bisexual goth fifteen-year-old girl. The first is 'Mall Goth'. Weird yet cool. If I had a nickel for every time I read and liked a comic about a bisexual goth fifteen-year-old girl, yadda yadda yadda, you know the meme.
I wish a few of the side characters had gotten more panel time and development, like Seth's bandmates, and Ashley. Remember her? She only appears in two scenes, six pages in total, and she is a potential new female friend for Corinth. Maybe she'll appear more in the sequel? Will there be a sequel?
Will Corinth's informed trait of ukulele playing ever actually come into play?
Well, regardless, 'The Sea in You' is worth the read. Tearful, and, wait for it, beautiful .
Final Score: 3.5/5
The art is phenomenal and gorgeous, and its characterisation, storytelling and pacing are lovely. It is a queer retelling of 'The Little Mermaid', and it is heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, and strangely realistic for all its fantastical, ethereal elements. It is still far from perfect, and it does end on a cliffhanger, but 'The Sea in You' is clever, nuanced, inclusive, diverse, harrowing, and did I mention fucking gorgeous to look at?
Seriously, check out the artwork: every panel is amazing and beautifully done. I can't begin to imagine how long it must have taken to draw, colour, make and put together everything for this sea-wonder miracle of a book to happen.
Teenage goth girl Corinth suddenly finds herself befriending a blue mermaid, whom she calls Skylla (the mermaids here are more monstrous than pretty), and through that bond - through teaching the quite literal fish out of water about the land, humans, foods, books, laughter, and sign language - she finds happiness in a way she never did with her abusive boyfriend Seth. Corinth knows sign language because her mother is deaf, and this form of communication helps Skylla out greatly as this 'The Little Mermaid' tale comes to a head. This one doesn't end in tragedy, per say, but it ends on a bizarre, topsy-turvy twist that is unique and kind of satisfying for someone like me who never liked the ending to the Disney version, cliffhanger notwithstanding.
I dare not reveal anything else concerning the plot.
Poor Corinth is very sensitive. She cries a lot, and reprimands and blames herself for a lot of things, very much like how an abuse victim would. I'm happy that at least she has loving, caring and supportive parents. It's sort of scary how much I related to her. Skylla can be a bit much, and possessive and overprotective of Corinth, but that can be excused by her not being human and coming from a rough undersea, literal monstrous family, where it's an overt predator-and-prey world. And her big heart is in the right place, and she cares for Corinth as deeply as the deepest coral-filled ocean, unlike the terrible Seth.
'The Sea in You' may well have it all: beauty, cuteness, terror, trauma, showcasing toxic and abusive relationships (that was very rough to read about), family, books and libraries, fashion, all the emotions, and girls bonding. And the dangerous sea, and mermaids! Magical mermaids!
'The Sea in You' is the second comic I've read and liked this year - this week, to be precise - to star a bisexual goth fifteen-year-old girl. The first is 'Mall Goth'. Weird yet cool. If I had a nickel for every time I read and liked a comic about a bisexual goth fifteen-year-old girl, yadda yadda yadda, you know the meme.
I wish a few of the side characters had gotten more panel time and development, like Seth's bandmates, and Ashley. Remember her? She only appears in two scenes, six pages in total, and she is a potential new female friend for Corinth. Maybe she'll appear more in the sequel? Will there be a sequel?
Will Corinth's informed trait of ukulele playing ever actually come into play?
Well, regardless, 'The Sea in You' is worth the read. Tearful, and, wait for it, beautiful .
Final Score: 3.5/5
October 24, 2023
Now THIS is a mermaid story! Further, it's one with ASL! (Although, hard to fact-check a lot of the signs in still comic panels, but a good attempt!)
The one big tragedy D=
We'd meant to drop by for a visit, too! It's just down the road! (haha)
Admittedly, it's an uncomfortable read, despite the high quality, since it's predominantly about the main character Corinth ("like the city") navigating with a bad relationship while creating a better one. The ending is a mixed bag, since I still like it, it's just sort of frustrating. ;)
Recommended for fans of mermaids that AREN'T the Disney princess model (or just happen to be more interested in things like biblically-accurate angels instead of "people with wings"), or any Ocean City locals who want to read about their area! :D (haha, although I have to figure it's in Ocean City, because... OCEAN City...)
The one big tragedy D=
We'd meant to drop by for a visit, too! It's just down the road! (haha)
Admittedly, it's an uncomfortable read, despite the high quality, since it's predominantly about the main character Corinth ("like the city") navigating with a bad relationship while creating a better one. The ending is a mixed bag, since I still like it, it's just sort of frustrating. ;)
Recommended for fans of mermaids that AREN'T the Disney princess model (or just happen to be more interested in things like biblically-accurate angels instead of "people with wings"), or any Ocean City locals who want to read about their area! :D (haha, although I have to figure it's in Ocean City, because... OCEAN City...)
November 6, 2022
Thanks to the publisher for an early copy.
I started reading this on webtoon and loved it. I finally finished this through the arc. There wasn’t much changed in the arc the colors looked brighter and more saturated. The art popped on the page and looked amazing. Its incredible what playing around with the colors does the art looked so much better and it was already looking great.
I loved this take on the little mermaid. She teaches her sign language and after that is how they communicate when she loses her voice. That is such a genius way to bring more inclusion in a story. She lost her voice but she can still sign, it makes sense for the story and is great representation of something that doesn’t get much representation. I love how the mermaid looks creepy and what actual mermaids might look like. She was creepy at first but I grew to love her. Her human form is so gorgeous. Their romance was adorable and so wholesome. The mermaid world was so cool. I loved this so much it was so refreshing it reimagined the story in such a cool way while still staying true to it. I can’t wait for the sequel.
I started reading this on webtoon and loved it. I finally finished this through the arc. There wasn’t much changed in the arc the colors looked brighter and more saturated. The art popped on the page and looked amazing. Its incredible what playing around with the colors does the art looked so much better and it was already looking great.
I loved this take on the little mermaid. She teaches her sign language and after that is how they communicate when she loses her voice. That is such a genius way to bring more inclusion in a story. She lost her voice but she can still sign, it makes sense for the story and is great representation of something that doesn’t get much representation. I love how the mermaid looks creepy and what actual mermaids might look like. She was creepy at first but I grew to love her. Her human form is so gorgeous. Their romance was adorable and so wholesome. The mermaid world was so cool. I loved this so much it was so refreshing it reimagined the story in such a cool way while still staying true to it. I can’t wait for the sequel.
December 1, 2023
I am a middle school librarian, and I am always looking for books that "skew" older because, you know, "middle schoolers aren't babies, Mrs. Gordon.) The Sea in You is a great option, even though it's not likely to get banned. (Which is sometimes how my kids rate books as in banned = worth reading. I'm in Florida, btw.) But I digress.
I always love a fairy tale retelling, and The Sea in You does a great job modernizing The Little Mermaid in a graphic novel format. It also doesn't shy from addressing various issues from feeling alone and/or different, abusive relationship, deafness, empowerment, etc. I also enjoyed how sign language was used for communication between Corinth and Skylla.
My rating oscillates between a 3.5 and 4 stars, because I am convinced the students will LOVE this, but I had a little trouble losing myself in the novel.
I always love a fairy tale retelling, and The Sea in You does a great job modernizing The Little Mermaid in a graphic novel format. It also doesn't shy from addressing various issues from feeling alone and/or different, abusive relationship, deafness, empowerment, etc. I also enjoyed how sign language was used for communication between Corinth and Skylla.
My rating oscillates between a 3.5 and 4 stars, because I am convinced the students will LOVE this, but I had a little trouble losing myself in the novel.
December 19, 2023
15-year-old Corinth is new to town and doesn't have a lot of friends. Pretty much only her rocker boyfriend Seth who is both abusive and controlling. One day while cleaning up the beach, she mysteriously drawn into the sea. A mermaid had targeted her and lured her, but instead of eating her (as is customary) she lets her go, setting a relationship between the two girls in motion. Corinth teaches the mermaid to communicate with ASL and she chooses the name Skylla for herself. Day after day, Corinth returns to their secret spot, and the bond between the two grows ever stronger. But the more time she spends away from Seth, and the more secretive she is about her whereabouts, the greater the coming confrontation grows, until it ends in an explosion with surprising results. A modern retelling of "The Little Mermaid" with gorgeous art.
January 22, 2024
To start, I loved the artwork in this. Sheron does a great job with the mermaids, some of the ocean and beach scenes, and the overall character work. There are small details thrown in that bring the world to life, and the color work with the magic mermaid scenes was stunning.
Some of the writing felt a little awkward to me, but I think the book hit its stride by the end. There's a bit of an open ending, which makes me think that there will be more in the future. I appreciated the way that this explored abusive relationships, as Corinth goes through quite the emotional journey. The inclusion of ASL was also really cool, though I didn't understand what was happening until midway through the book.
All in all, I throughly enjoyed this take on mermaids and am looking forward to reading more from Sheron!
Some of the writing felt a little awkward to me, but I think the book hit its stride by the end. There's a bit of an open ending, which makes me think that there will be more in the future. I appreciated the way that this explored abusive relationships, as Corinth goes through quite the emotional journey. The inclusion of ASL was also really cool, though I didn't understand what was happening until midway through the book.
All in all, I throughly enjoyed this take on mermaids and am looking forward to reading more from Sheron!
August 24, 2023
‘The Sea in You’ with story and art by Jessi Sheron is a graphic novel that is a modern take on the Little Mermaid fairytale.
Corinth is a new girl and shy, so she doesn’t make friends easily. She has a controlling boyfriend who has his own band. One day, while cleaning the beach, Corinth has a run in with a real life mermaid named Skylla. They begin a tenuous friendship that becomes more. When Skylla decides to move to the land, she makes a deadly deal that may change Corinth’s life forever.
I liked this story of growing friendship and romance between different worlds. The story feels a bit predictable, but still makes a couple nice twists. The art was ok, but nothing spectacular.
Corinth is a new girl and shy, so she doesn’t make friends easily. She has a controlling boyfriend who has his own band. One day, while cleaning the beach, Corinth has a run in with a real life mermaid named Skylla. They begin a tenuous friendship that becomes more. When Skylla decides to move to the land, she makes a deadly deal that may change Corinth’s life forever.
I liked this story of growing friendship and romance between different worlds. The story feels a bit predictable, but still makes a couple nice twists. The art was ok, but nothing spectacular.
November 28, 2023
3.5 rounded up. The story is really sweet, and at times felt like it was a Dethklok song mashed with a CODA's POV, put into comic form. I really loved that. Then it leaned much harder into the "Little Mermaid but totally not the Little Mermaid." I still liked that, but not anywhere near as much.
Spoilers following.
Art was great, and I really liked the characters (except Seth, who should have died). The Ancestors were illustrated SPECTACULARLY, but their speech boxes were difficult to read. In general I was left with wanting more, but not really more at the end. I think the ending was pretty much spot on.
I'd definitely recommend it to my teens, even if just because it's a fresh take for a lot of the story.
Spoilers following.
Art was great, and I really liked the characters (except Seth, who should have died). The Ancestors were illustrated SPECTACULARLY, but their speech boxes were difficult to read. In general I was left with wanting more, but not really more at the end. I think the ending was pretty much spot on.
I'd definitely recommend it to my teens, even if just because it's a fresh take for a lot of the story.
March 24, 2024
this was such a captivating take on the little mermaid! corinth is in a rocky relationship with a jealous, hot-and-cold boyfriend, and she meets a mermaid named skylla at the beach one day. i really liked how their relationship developed and how sign language featured in the book. the style of the character art kind of gave me barbie vibes in a good way; this feels like a magical story you would make up while playing as a kid. some of the art was gorgeous - i especially loved the vibrant colors and the scenes of the mermaid world. the ending bugged me a bit, but i understand why it happened the way it did... if there is going to be a sequel. such a great mermaid graphic novel!
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