Shadow in the Sea

Shadow in the Sea by Sheila A. Nielson is a captivating tale published by the author on July 15, 2015. This 396-page novel unfolds the story of sixteen-year-old Sadelyn Hanson, who washes ashore on Windwaithe Island, where her beauty and mysterious wrist markings lead the superstitious locals to suspect she is a mermaid. As she feigns amnesia, Sadelyn conceals a darker truth: she was en route to her own murder trial when she was cast overboard by the treacherous Captain Westwood.

Readers will find a blend of fantasy and historical elements as Sadelyn navigates her new life on the island, grappling with her past and the legends surrounding merfolk. Her encounter with a young merman adds complexity to her situation, as she yearns for companionship despite the locals’ fears. The arrival of Captain Westwood complicates her efforts to rebuild her life, forcing Sadelyn to rely on a woman with a mysterious connection to the merfolk. This edition offers a rich exploration of themes related to identity, trust, and the interplay between myth and reality.